Involving young people in caring for the environmental sustainability is really important to Europe’s view on education.

People of all ages should learn how to know more, do better, and care about living in a way that’s good for the Earth.

This includes using resources wisely, being healthy, and working together to make Europe greener and more sustainable.

Discover the actions and initiatives that Europe is taking to spread the importance of environmental education among young Europeans.

The aim of the intiatives

The European Commission aids EU Member States by:

• Providing learners and educators with the necessary knowledge and skills for a more sustainable society.
• Assisting education institutions in integrating sustainability into teaching, learning, and overall operations.
• Promoting a collective understanding of the significant changes required in education and training to support sustainability and the transition to a greener future.

What is the EU doing?

The European Commission is actively involved in developing initiatives to enhance education for a more sustainable future.

Among these initiatives is a proposal for a Council Recommendation on learning for environmental sustainability. The purpose is to encourage and support Member States in incorporating environmental education into their systems and promoting collaboration on this aspect across the European Union.

In conjunction with this Recommendation, the Commission is in the process of creating a European Sustainability Competence Framework.

This framework outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes that learners should have to address climate change and contribute to sustainable development. The overarching goal is to establish a shared understanding of these competences, ensuring that everyone agrees on what students at all educational levels should learn to promote eco-friendly practices.

The EU actions about environmental education

Among the initiatives promoted by the European Union there are the following:

1. Council Recommendation on learning for the green transition and sustainable development. With this initiative it is possible to actively involve students and staff, local authorities, youth organisations and the research and innovation community in learning for sustainability.
2. Learning for sustainability working group. The European Commission helps put the Recommendation into action through a special group that focuses on sustainability in education. This group has over 40 members, including people from education ministries, social partners, NGOs, and international organizations.
3. European competence framework on sustainability. This framework, available in all official EU languages, can be used in school and training programs, as well as in formal and informal learning environments.
4. Erasmus+ Teacher academies. Erasmus+ Teacher Academies is a key part of the current Erasmus+ program. Its aim is to form partnerships among European teacher education and training providers, enhancing the European and global aspects of teacher education in Europe.

Discover more about the initiative

If you want to know more about the various European initiatives for the environment visit the official website!

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L'articolo Education for Environmental Sustainability  | EU Actions proviene da Youth Networks.

Open the 2024 Erasmus Plus Call for Proposals.

Overview

With a substantial budget of €4.3 billion for the upcoming year, Erasmus+ will maintain its commitment to facilitating transnational experiences for school pupils, higher education students, and vocational education and training participants. The program will also extend opportunities to adult learners, educators, staff, and young people engaged in non-formal learning programs.

In response to the impact of inflation on those studying abroad and to encourage broad participation, the program will elevate mobility grant levels. In line with the 2023 approach, individual support grant amounts for those undertaking learning experiences abroad will be adjusted by 5.9% in most mobility actions for the 2024 call. Additionally, a 12.27% increase was implemented in 2023.

In 2024, the program will introduce enhanced incentives for sustainable travel, positioning it as the default option. Participants from remote areas, islands, or places lacking sufficient rail networks will receive appropriate compensation for utilizing sustainable modes of travel. Notably, travel contributions will be extended for intra-European higher education mobility, ensuring more consistent funding rules across all sectors.

Cooperation activities under Erasmus+ will persist in bringing individuals and organizations together to address the program’s four overarching key priorities: inclusion, active citizenship and democratic participation, and green and digital transitions.

These activities can range from supporting local-scale projects to transnational initiatives such as European Universities, dedicated to transnational university alliances, Centres for Vocational Excellence, and Erasmus+ Teacher Academies, all playing pivotal roles in the green and digital transitions of education and training systems.

Erasmus+ remains committed to supporting Ukraine through projects that encourage incoming learning mobility, empower individuals with new skills, combat disinformation, and facilitate the integration of refugees into new educational systems.

The program will also maintain its central role in promoting common EU values. All program beneficiaries and their implemented activities will align with and promote values such as human dignity and rights, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law.

Under this Erasmus+ call for project applications, any public or private body active in the fields of education, training, youth, and sport can seek funding either via Erasmus+ National Agencies or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Background

The total budget available for Erasmus+ from 2021 to 2027 is €26.2 billion, supplemented by around €2.2 billion from the EU’s external instruments. Since 1987, the Erasmus+ program has benefitted over 14 million people through participation in various education, training, and youth mobility activities, continuously expanding its reach.

Next Steps

The Commission has launched the call for proposals under the Erasmus+ initiative for 2024, following the adoption of the 2024 work program.

The Commission is in the process of preparing the mid-term evaluation of the ongoing program (2021-2027) and the final evaluation of the predecessor program (2014-2020). This will be submitted to the Council, European Parliament, Committee of the Regions, and the European Economic and Social Committee. A public consultation has been initiated in all 24 EU languages to collect opinions on Erasmus+, running until 8 December.

More Information

We talked about the 2024 Annual Work Programme of Erasmus Plus and European Solidarity Corps.

We’ve also underlined the difference and improvements compared to the 2023 Annual Work Programme.

Other Resources

2024 Erasmus+ work programme

2024 Erasmus+ call for proposals

2024 Erasmus+ programme guide

Factsheet on new Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme

Skills and Talent Mobility

L'articolo €4.3 Billion Allocated Under Erasmus+ for Enhancing Mobility and Cooperation in Education, Training, Youth, and Sport in 2024 proviene da Youth Networks.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA) is a group of 150 people, including policymakers, youth entrepreneurship groups, social entrepreneurship networks, youth organisations, program managers, and researchers.

YEPA’s goal is to improve policies and programs for young entrepreneurs by sharing information about the challenges they face and promoting discussions among policymakers, young entrepreneurs, and experts to figure out effective strategies for youth entrepreneurship policies.

Keep reading to find out more about this initiative.

The aim of the project

The main goal is to spread awareness about the problems young people face in starting businesses. YEPA also helps policymakers, young entrepreneurs, and experts share ideas on what works in youth entrepreneurship policies.

Sometimes, other important people like entrepreneurs, investors, and experts will join workshops to share their thoughts too.

It will make more people understand why supporting young entrepreneurs is important by:

1. Informing policymakers about the challenges faced by talented young people in entrepreneurship.
2. Teaching policymakers about successful ways to create and implement policies, while avoiding mistakes.
3. Showing policymakers and youth entrepreneurship networks the benefits of social entrepreneurship for young people.
4. Setting up a regular way for policymakers to talk with youth entrepreneurship networks and encourage the creation of more of these networks.

Who can participate?

• If you are an individual

If you’re a young entrepreneur, an expert in youth entrepreneurship, a researcher, or someone who works with youth businesses, and you want to be part of the project you can contact directly with the organisations by visiting the website.

• If you represent a network or organisation

If you work with a youth group or organisation that supports young entrepreneurs or self-employment and helps with youth entrepreneurship policies, you can join YEPA activities. Become a representative for your national or international youth network by joining the mailing list or contacting directly with the organisation.

• Participants from outside the EU

There are special opportunities for governments, networks, organisations, and youth entrepreneurship experts. Organisations from countries outside the EU can join some YEPA events. If your organization is in an OECD country, it might be able to participate in certain activities.

Discover more about the initiative

Learn more about this project, its objectives, events and how to participate through the official website.

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L'articolo Empowering Youth Organisations | YEPA project proviene da Youth Networks.

According to Regulation (EU) 2021/817, the Erasmus+ Programme serves as a pivotal instrument for fostering the educational, professional, and personal development of individuals in education, training, youth, and sport across Europe and beyond. The program’s general objective is to contribute to sustainable growth, quality jobs, social cohesion, innovation, and the reinforcement of European identity and active citizenship. Aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Skills Agenda, the program has specific objectives focusing on learning mobility, cooperation, quality, inclusion, creativity, and innovation in education, training, youth, and sport.

Key Actions and Objectives of Erasmus+

The Erasmus+ Programme is structured around key actions (KA1, KA2, KA3), including learning mobility, cooperation among organizations, support to policy development, and Jean Monnet actions. The program’s architecture, now streamlined for Sport activities, mirrors the structure for Education and Training and Youth chapters. This stability ensures continuity from the previous 2014-2020 program while aiming to increase impact. The program’s scope covers all education and training sectors, spanning school education, vocational education and training, higher education, adult learning, youth, and sport, contributing to the realization of a cohesive European Education Area.

L'articolo Erasmus Plus 2024 Annual Work Programme proviene da Youth Networks.

The programme is designed to empower youth and promote solidarity, aligning with broader EU strategies such as the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Democracy Action Plan. The document outlines specific policy priorities, including fostering inclusion and diversity, promoting environmental sustainability and climate goals, embracing digital transformation, and encouraging active participation in democratic life. It highlights the various grant management mechanisms, including calls for proposals, both general and specific, which are crucial for mobilizing projects and activities in line with the program’s objectives.

Our Main Highlights in Comparison With 2023

• DiscoverEU

•  Key Action 1 Mobility Projects Budget
• Sport Activities 

• Partnership for Cooperation in the field of youth

• Partnership for Cooperation: Small-Scale Partnership

• Priorities in the field of youth: budget

• Priorities in the field of sport: budget

• Key Action 2

• Youth Participation Activities

DOWNLOAD the 2024 European Solidarity Corps Annual Work Programme.

L'articolo 2024 Annual Work Programme | Highlights on the Differences With 2023 Edition proviene da Youth Networks.

The European Solidarity Corps, launched in 2016 and bolstered by a dedicated regulation in 2018, has become a cornerstone of the EU’s commitment to solidarity and youth empowerment. With a budget exceeding EUR 1 billion for 2021-2027, the Corps has expanded its focus to include volunteering in humanitarian aid, addressing global challenges.

Boasting a quarter-million registered youth by 2020, the Corps goes beyond community impact. It equips participants with vital skills for navigating a dynamic world. Aligned with the EU Youth Strategy, the Corps is more than a volunteer initiative; it’s a bridge connecting youthful aspirations with global needs, fostering socially conscious and globally engaged citizens.

DOWNLOAD the 2024 European Solidarity Corps Annual Work Programme.

Empowering Youth Globally: The European Solidarity Corps and EU Youth Strategy

The European Solidarity Corps, a linchpin of the EU’s commitment to solidarity and youth empowerment, is strategically embedded within the framework of European cooperation in the youth field. At the heart of EU youth policy, the Corps aligns with the renewed Youth Strategy, emphasising active citizenship, solidarity, and positive change inspired by EU values and a shared European identity.

A pivotal aspect of the Youth Strategy is found in the ‘Connect’ priority area, where the Commission aims to expand mobility actions under the Corps. This entails not only bolstering mobility but also supporting implementation through robust policy cooperation and community-building activities. The indicative budget for the 2024 European Solidarity Corps work programme stands at EUR 145,000,000, a crucial financing decision per the regulations governing the Union’s general budget.

Policy Priorities and Strategic Focus

In its mission to empower young people and promote solidarity, the European Solidarity Corps outlines comprehensive policy priorities for the 2024 work programme. These priorities align with broader EU strategies such as the European Education Area, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Democracy Action Plan, emphasizing a gender equality perspective in line with the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-25.

Inclusion and Diversity

The Corps actively addresses inclusion and diversity, promoting social inclusion, tolerance, human rights, and the value of differences. A comprehensive strategy supports organizations in reaching participants with fewer opportunities, ensuring equal access. The thematic SALTO Resource Centre for Inclusion and Diversity enhances the inclusive implementation of the programme.

Environmental Sustainability and Climate Goals

The Corps contributes to climate and biodiversity goals by prioritizing the green transition and promoting eco-friendly practices in projects. In line with the European Green Deal, the Corps supports initiatives for environmental conservation, awareness, and resilience to extreme weather events. The thematic green SALTO Resource Centre enhances the green dimension of the programme.

Digital Transformation

In response to the EU’s emphasis on digital leadership, the Corps aims to support Europeans in thriving in the digital age. Projects and activities focus on improving digital skills, fostering digital literacy, and understanding the risks and opportunities of digital technology. The thematic digital SALTO Resource Centre ensures high-quality and inclusive implementation of the digital dimension.

Participation in Democratic Life

At the core of the Corps is the promotion of European common values, civic engagement, and strengthening European identity. Activities aim to engage youth in democratic processes, including European elections, and uphold EU values and human rights. The thematic SALTO Resource Centre for Participation & Information supports high-quality and inclusive implementation.

Annual Policy Priorities: Addressing Urgent Needs

The 2024 work programme emphasizes specific annual policy priorities:

• Relief for Persons Fleeing Conflicts and Disasters

The Corps plays a crucial role in providing relief and assistance to those affected by armed conflicts and disasters. Recent events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, underscore the importance of solidarity in times of crisis.

• Fostering Positive Learning for Vulnerable Youth

The Corps supports learning outcomes for young people with fewer opportunities, aligning with the European Year of Skills and reinforcing the legacy of the European Year of Youth.

Broader Focus Areas: Health and Innovation

Beyond annual priorities, the Corps actively supports initiatives related to health and mental well-being, aligning with the HealthyLifeStyle4All. It also promotes innovation, mobilizing young people to contribute innovative solutions to societal challenges, such as rural depopulation and sustainable energy systems.

The European Solidarity Corps in 2024 emerges not only as a platform for youth engagement but as a dynamic force aligning with EU strategies, addressing pressing global issues, and nurturing a generation of socially conscious and innovative citizens.

Calls for Proposals: Guiding Participation

Calls for proposals, both general and specific, are issued by the Commission or the Executive Agency, aligning with Financial Regulation Article 189(1). The annual general call for proposals, accompanied by the Programme Guide, serves as a comprehensive resource outlining project objectives, requirements, and application procedures.

• Direct and Indirect Management: Diverse Implementation Channels

Actions are implemented through direct and indirect management. National Agencies handle indirect management, while direct management grants are awarded by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

• Flexible Grant Awarding: Swift Responses to Needs

Grant awards, including those without a formal call for proposals as permitted by Article 195 of the Financial Regulation, showcase the Corps’ adaptability in addressing emerging challenges.

• Navigating 2024 Initiatives: Future Calls and Grants

Part II of the work programme details upcoming calls for proposals and grants, providing clarity for potential beneficiaries. The selection criteria outlined in the Programme Guide will guide the evaluation and awarding process for all grants under the European Solidarity Corps.

L'articolo European Solidarity Corps 2024 Annual Work Programme proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you 18 years old and dreaming of travelling around Europe? Discover how to organise and how to embark on an unforgettable trip with the “DiscoverEU” program, which will allow you to explore all of Europe by train completely free!

Hurry up! In fact, 36,318 travel passes are available for young people from all over Europe (who are 18 years old). The applications for the project will remain open until 18 October.

Read on to find out how to get your travel pass!

What is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is a key initiative within the Erasmus+ programme. The aim of the project is to give young people the chance to embark on a journey of exploration across Europe’s diverse culture and deepen their understanding of its history.

Participants will receive a travel pass that will primarily facilitate rail travel, but there are also some specific guidelines for residents of islands or remote areas.

They will also get a lot of discounts encompassing cultural excursions, educational pursuits, sporting activities, local transportation, accommodations, and dining experiences.

How does it work?

To meet the eligibility criteria, you must fulfill the following conditions:

• Your birthdate must fall between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005.
• Provide the correct identity card (ID), passport, or residence card number when completing the online application.
• Be a citizen or resident of one of the following:
  • Any European Union Member State, including Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
  • One of the third countries associated with the Erasmus+ program: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, or Türkiye.

You will also need to take part in a quiz (unless you’re applying as part of a group).

If you are selected, you can embark on your travels for a minimum of 1 day and up to 30 days, spanning from March 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.

Can I travel with friends?

You have the flexibility to travel on your own or invite up to four friends to join your group, as long as they fulfil the eligibility criteria mentioned earlier.

They should use your application code to submit their own applications.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in coordinating travel plans with other DiscoverEU participants, you can join DiscoverEU Facebook Group that serves as an excellent platform for this purpose.

Once you’re chosen, the Erasmus+ National Agencies will facilitate the process and they will organise pre-departure meetings and traveler meet-ups to enhance your experience.

How to apply?

If you meet all the requirements mentioned above and are willing to leave for this adventure do not wait any longer: the deadline for applications is October 18, 2023!

To send your application and find out more about this opportunity visit the official website of DiscoverEU!

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L'articolo The DiscoverEU call is open | Get ready to explore Europe! proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you passionate about technology and would like to deepen your knowledge in the field of digital entrepreneurship?

Discover “Digital Entrepreneurship And Leadership in Europe”, an international project that aims to “equip” youth workers with a set of ICT skills needed to work on personal development in the fields of self-employment opportunities and digital entrepreneurship.

The training course will take place from 15 to 22 October in Antalya, Turkey.

The project

The training course will count with 32 participants from the following countries:

• Denmark
• Finland
• Germany
• Lithuania
• Republic of North Macedonia
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Türkiye

The project is recommended for Youth workers, Trainers, Youth leaders and Youth coaches who are interested in digital entrepreneurship and how it can be introduced within youth mobility projects to promote self-employment opportunities.

Participants should have a good knowledge of English.

The aims of the project

The final objectives of the project are to provide greater awareness and familiarity in the field of information communications technology.

In fact, they have become fundamental tools, even during youth mobility projects, to make participants more interested in the activities and to facilitate their chances of finding a job.

Specifically, the project has the following objectives:

• To master the personal and professional skills necessary to successfully start a project, team or company
• To promote the good practices of teamwork, international vision, interdisciplinary practice and problem solving
• To develop an understanding of how innovation and creative processes can be translated into tangible actions and objectives in all business areas while always respecting the principles of corporate social responsibility
• To gain a comprehensive view of the role of ICTs in the current business environment
• To promote the critical thinking, analytical, practical skills, and leadership skills
• To learn how to develop comprehensive business plans and strategic communication management for start-ups

The condition of the programme

You won’t have to pay any participation fee to join the project.

Accommodation from the project start and end date (early morning of 15th and latest until noon of the 22nd of October) is covered by the Erasmus+ programme. For the early arrivals and later departures, participants can stay in the project venue (if the project team is informed timely) however it will be the participant’s own responsibility to pay the fee for extra days.

The project’s fund under the Erasmus+ programme covers three meals and the coffee breaks.

Travel expenses will also be reimbursed. More information on the project website.

The travel days are the 15th of October (arrival) and the 22nd of October (departure). During the arrival and departure days, the participants are free to explore the city.

How to apply

To participate in the project you must submit your application on the portal Salto-Youth. The deadline is set for 18 September 2023.

For more information you can contact the organisation at: bogachan@gmail.com

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L'articolo Digital entrepreneurship and self-employment | Training Course proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you an organisation that has developed a sport project and funded by the Erasmus+ programme? If the answer is yes, find out how to participate in the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards!

It is a programme that aims to reward the best projects that have successfully supported social inclusion through sport.

The Awards

Sport is a powerful tool to promote European values. The awards aim to give visibility and support the dissemination of innovative ideas and best practices throughout Europe.

This project wants to reward the achievements of sport organisations that are working with:

• ethnic minorities
• refugees
• people with disabilities
• youth groups at risk
• any other group that faces challenging social circumstances
• promote women’s participation to sport

The categories of the Award

The competition will concern three categories, in which organisations can participate.

Each category covers different themes and will be awarded a winner for each of them:

• Breaking barriers: rewards projects and organisations that empower disadvantaged individuals
• Promoting gender equality in sport – Be Equal: rewards projects and organisations that recognise the added value of more gender equality in sport
• Sport for peace: rewards projects and organisations that promote peace and European values through sports

The prizes

There will be three winners, one for each category, which will be announced during the final ceremony of the project.

The winners will receive €10,000 each, while the finalists (2nd and 3rd place in each category) will receive €2,500 each.

The requirements

All organisations that have developed a sport project to promote European values can participate in the competition.

The project may still be ongoing but must be funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

To apply for the #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards, participants will have to submit their projects (text, videos, images or other material).
The materials should be in English or they should include a translation into English.

Projects can include:

• young people with a migrant background
• refugees and ethnic minorities
• disadvantaged, marginalized or underprivileged groups
• people with a disability
• individuals with difficult social backgrounds
• any other group that faces challenging social circumstances

How to apply

To submit your application for the competition you must fill in the online form on the official website.

The deadline is 28 September 2023, applications sent after this date will not be considered.

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L'articolo #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards | Sport for Inclusion proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you a youth worker and do you want to improve your soft skills and to inspire other people to do the same?

Take part in the training course “Soft Skills, Solid Start” which will take place in Cyprus from 22 to 29 October.

The project will be facilitated by trainers with more than 5 years experience in Erasmus+.

The training course

The training course aim to:

• Help the participants to understand the concept of soft skills, and benefits of: leadership, teamwork, organisational skills, communication, problem- solving and conflict management in relation to young people’s personal and career development.
• Boost youth workers skills of non-formal education methods supporting development of soft skills of disadvantaged youth
• Develop a more proactive approach to inspire young people to invest their time in developing their soft skills

What you will learn

Participants in this training course will learn to:

1. Understand the following 5 soft skills: teamwork, leadership, communication, problem solving and organisational skills
2. Have more self-confidence in their ability to make a difference and apply non formal methods that can help young people to gain and boost their soft skills
3. Be more open to discuss with disadvantaged groups and to find solution for their problems, while helping them develop personal skills

How to participate

This project is addressed to youth workers, volunteers, mentors, facilitators, coaches, etc. that are from:

• Cyprus
• Hungary
• Poland
• Romania
• Spain

Participants must be 18 years old at the beginning of the course. There is no maximum age limit.

All costs (accommodation, travel, food, etc.) relevant to participation in the course will be covered.

Participants will stay in triple rooms with separate beds. The hotel is all inclusive- with a wide variety of food.

You can send your application through the portal of Salto-youth.

The application deadline is 15 September.

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L'articolo Soft Skills, Solid Start | Training Course in Cyprus proviene da Youth Networks.