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!

Read also

How to Use AI in Education | The Guidelines

Empowering Youth Organisations | YEPA project

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 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.

Get to know the “Youth Guarantee”, a project to support young people in gaining work experience and developing the right skills for a changing world of work.

This initiative doesn’t have an end date and it will persist as the European Union’s primary policy framework for combating youth unemployment and inactivity.

After 2022, it will retain the substantial EU funds allocated in the 2021-2027 long-term budget and NextGenerationEU to further its mission of delivering improved outcomes for young people in Europe.

About the initiative

The Youth Guarantee represents an opportunity from every Member State to guarantee that all individuals under 30 are provided with a high-quality opportunity for:

• Employment
• Ongoing education
• Apprenticeships
• Traineeships

Within a timeframe of four months from the moment they become unemployed or conclude their education.

The initiative started during 2022, with the implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee.

Member States started implementing measures under their recovery and resilience plans targeting young people and youth employment related measures.

The goals of the initiative

The final goal of the project is to enhance the employability of the youth.

It aims to support individuals under 30 that want to access high-quality employment, continued education, apprenticeships, or traineeships.

In 2020, the Youth Guarantee underwent a strengthening process to better cater to the needs of young individuals.

This reinforced approach places a primary emphasis on preventing unemployment and inactivity while facilitating smoother transitions from school to work.

One of its central objectives is to support young people in acquiring valuable work experience and cultivating the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-evolving job landscape.

What has been achieved so far?

The project has already achieved excellent results, improving the difficult situation caused by the COVID pandemic which has made it difficult for many young Europeans to find employment.

Over 24 million young people who were once registered in Youth Guarantee schemes started a job, continued education and traineeships.

To learn more about the results obtained in recent years through the program we recommend you visit the official website of the initiative.

Discover more about the initiative

For more information about this initiative, its results and future objectives you can consult the official website.

Read also

Capacity-Building in the field of Youth

Youth Sounding Board | A Project for Youth Empowerment

L'articolo Reinforced Youth Guarantee | Youth Employment and Education proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you a young person or an association that deals with youth work? Discover capacity-building opportunities!

Capacity-building projects promote international collaboration, fostering multilateral partnerships among organisations engaged in youth-related activities in the European Union (EU) and other program nations, alongside non-affiliated third countries in the Western Balkans and the Southern Mediterranean.

These initiatives want to boost global cooperation and policy discussions concerning youth and informal education.

Furthermore these are projects funded by the Erasmus+ programme and are recommended to all youth workers who want to improve their skills in youth work.

The goals of the projects

The capacity building projects have many objectives that are achieved through non-formal education activities and comparison between participants.

Particularly the main objectives can be summarised as follows:

• Helping organisations that work with young people outside of traditional schools to become better at what they do
• Encouraging activities that teach things in informal settings in countries that are not part of a specific program. In fact these activities are especially for young people who face challenges, and the goal is to improve their skills and get them more involved in society.
• Supporting the growth of youth programs in countries that aren’t in the main program, making them better and more recognised.
• Promoting the creation and testing of programs that allow young people to learn outside of traditional school settings in countries not part of the main program.
• Helping achieve the goals set out in the EU Youth Strategy for 2019-2027, including 11 goals for young people in Europe.
• Encouraging cooperation between different parts of the world through joint projects.
• Making sure that non-formal education and youth work fit well with formal education and the job market.

The topics of the projects

Finally from the capacity building projects, participants have the opportunity to deepen themes such as:

• political participation and dialogue with decision-makers
• inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities
• democracy, rule of law and values
• empowerment / engagement / employability of young people
• peace and post-conflict reconciliation
• environment and climate
• anti-discrimination and gender equality
• digital and entrepreneurial skills

Discover more about the initiative

For more information about this type of projects and the requirements to participate we recommend you visit the official website.

Read also

Youth Sounding Board | A Project for Youth Empowerment

Plastic Pirates – Go Europe | Join the Fight Against Plastic Pollution

L'articolo Capacity-Building in the field of Youth proviene da Youth Networks.

Discover “The Youth Sounding Board”! It is a space for young people to have an influence on the EU’s external action through its international partnerships.

Serving as an advisor to the Directorate-General for International Partnerships and Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, the Board works to improve the effectiveness, relevance, and participation of EU activity for youth in partner countries across all political agendas.

The goal of the Youth Sounding Board is to bring about a significant, long-lasting shift in the way the EU interacts with youth in the context of its development cooperation.

Contributing to the Youth Action Plan for EU External Action was one of the Board members’ initial tasks. The Board will remain active in the upcoming stages of the Action Plan’s development.

Keep reading to discover more about this initiative!

The initiative

The Youth Sounding Board Is a project that is also involved in other initiatives in various thematic areas:

• climate action
• peace and security
• economic empowerment
• governance and human rights

The Youth Sounding Board aims also at creating opportunities for young people and youth organisations to express their views, connect and exchange.

As part of their mandate, Youth Sounding Board members will build links with similar structures and existing youth initiatives at international, regional and country level, both in the EU and in the partner countries.

How does it work?

Through their activities, YSB members seek out the ideas and perspectives of young people both within and outside of their networks, therefore representing the views of the broadest possible variety of young people.

Members establish connections with comparable organisations and ongoing youth programs.

In keeping with their role, they also participate in capacity-building initiatives and address ad hoc concerns and requests.

The EU Youth Action Plan will start with the participation of the cohort 2023-2025.

Discover more about the initiative

If you are interested in finding out more about this project, its results and future objectives visit the official website.

Read also

Annual Work Programme 2024 | The financing of Erasmus+

Plastic Pirates – Go Europe | Join the Fight Against Plastic Pollution

L'articolo Youth Sounding Board | A Project for Youth Empowerment proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you passionate about environmental protection and want to know more about the impact plastic waste has on our world? Learn more and discover the project “Plastic Pirates – Go Europe”!

With this project young people around Europe will take part in the European Research Area (ERA), a science initiative, which aims to monitor and address plastic pollution in rivers, beaches, and the ocean.

Since the initiative’s inception in 2020, over 7,500 youth from over 320 schools and organisations have volunteered to collect and analyse data on plastic pollution in Europe’s waterways and coastal areas.

The initiative

The initiative started in 2020 but in 2022, with funding from the Horizon Europe program, the initiative was growing even more.

In an attempt to identify the causes of the issue and increase environmental awareness, the association wants to initiate a sample program spanning the entirety of Europe.

The campaign will evaluate the sources and routes of plastic pollution.

The goals of the initiative

The Plastic Pirates will assist in achieving the goals of the “Mission Restore our Ocean and waterways”, particularly its goal to prevent and eradicate pollution in European seas and waterways.

In addition to serving as a model for the European Year of Youth 2022.

Important goals of European environmental policy are:

• Under the Directive on Marine Strategy Framework
• The Framework Directive on Water
• the Air, Water, and Soil Zero Pollution Action Plan

What the programme is offering to young people

The program aims to empower students and youth to take action for the preservation and restoration of Europe’s rivers and seas by including them in research projects that spark their interest in scientific activity related to social concerns.

The actual sampling of plastic pollution in rivers, beaches, and oceans will be done by youth and students.

In order to help teachers educate students about plastic pollution in the classroom. The project also gives educators access to specialised didactic materials on the subject.

Discover more about the initiative

If you are interested in finding out more about this project, its results and future objectives visit the official website.

You will find many materials, information and events to deepen the theme of environmental protection.

Read also

Annual Work Programme 2024 | The financing of Erasmus+

Youth In Global Politics | Policy Dialogue

L'articolo Plastic Pirates – Go Europe | Join the Fight Against Plastic Pollution proviene da Youth Networks.

If you are interested in discovering the latest decisions of the European Parliament regarding the funding of Erasmus+ projects, read on! The 2024 annual work programme is available online, explaining the criteria for dividing the budget between the various youth mobility projects.

The document is available for download in the pdf version and you can find the version in French, German and English.

General Overview

The introduction to the document specifies the general overview of the Erasmus+ programme:

“The Programme shall be a key instrument for building a European Education Area, supporting the implementation of the European strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond, with its underlying sectoral agendas, advancing youth policy cooperation under the Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and developing the European dimension in sport. The programme also offers a strong international dimension contributing to a stronger voice for Europe in the world.”

The goals of the programme

The work programme also explain the objectives that the programme aims to achieve through youth mobility projects:

1. The learning mobility of individuals and groups, and cooperation, quality, inclusion and equity, excellence, creativity, and innovation.
2. Non-formal and informal learning mobility and active participation among young people.
3. The learning mobility of sport staff, and cooperation, quality, inclusion, creativity and innovation.

Then you can find the grants, procurements and other actions concerning the various mobility programmes and for each chapter the various field in which Erasmus+ operates.

In addition to budgets, for each program you can find a description of the various activities and objectives set for each sector.

The field that compete Erasmus+:

• Education and training
• Youth
• Sport

How to read the programme

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, we suggest you download the agenda from the official website.

Read also

Reflection Beyond Language Barriers: 14 Innovative Methodologies for Reflection Groups

Youth In Global Politics | Policy Dialogue

L'articolo Annual Work Programme 2024 | The financing of Erasmus+ proviene da Youth Networks.

Do you want to learn more about topics such as youth in global politics, green transition, public diplomacy and youth engagement, disinformation, defence, the promotion of peace and security, and human rights?

These were some of the topics discussed during the policy dialogue during the celebration of the European Year of Youth 2022.

High Representative/vice-president, Josep Borrell organised a conference in which 18 young people from all over Europe participated and shared their views on the EU foreign policy.

If you could not attend the event read on to find out what were the results of the discussion. You can also find more information about the event on the official website.

The objectives of the dialogue

The conference focused mainly on the following topics:

1. Host a platform where the young leaders of tomorrow could present and discuss with the HR/VP youth initiatives that play (or could play) a role in foreign affairs.
2. Bring together young experts and today’s policy makers, forging a constructive dialogue on the future of the European Union in the world.
3. Discuss the role of youth on EU foreign affairs and share a young vision for the future of the EU and youth in global politics, as the leaders of tomorrow.

The event was a useful opportunity to share views among participants and create new guidelines for future decisions.

Take aways from the dialogue

At the end of the event participants could draw some final decisions that the EU commission will use in the future for new youth policies.

These were the take aways from the dialogue:

1. A youth approach to EU Foreign Policy, including Security and Defence. A few people brought up the point that security encompasses more than just military activities and can also refer to more general topics like social welfare, economy, and climate change.
2. Youth participation in External Action. The EU should further encourage youth participation in EU external policies and actions. It is important to implement programs like the EU Youth Action Plan.
3. Cultural exchanges between Europe and the World. Participants discussed on how culture is much more than just the arts or literature. It encompasses customs, ancestry, understanding between people, history, and knowledge in general. In order to do this, cultural diplomacy is crucial. Participants commented programs like Erasmus+ for serving as a model of are useful to achieve these goals.
4. Living conditions of youth worldwide. It is very important that the youth perspective are taken into account in all policy goals, including EU external activity.

Read also

Reflection Beyond Language Barriers: 14 Innovative Methodologies for Reflection Groups

Addressing the Brain Drain from the EU | Policy Dialogue

L'articolo Youth In Global Politics | Policy Dialogue proviene da Youth Networks.

If you are interested to know how the European Parliament intends to change the distribution of the EU budget in the future and what areas the European financial plan should focus on keep reading!

During the Policy dialogue with EU Commissioner Johannes, participants addressed the issue of the European budget for youth opportunities.

During the event that took place on the occasion of the celebration of the European Year of Youth 2022, 12 young people from all over Europe participated and discussed the issue and try to meet a common point.

If you are interested in the topic read on and find out how to see the video summary of the event!

Take aways from the dialogue

The event was a useful meeting to bring out new points of view and try to calibrate future choices by listening to the opinions of young participants.

The following points are the result of the debate:

1. Youth Test on the MFF and the Financial Regulation. The EU budget serves as a long-term financial instrument for implementing EU policies. For example, funds borrowed through initiatives like NextGenerationEU necessitate repayment over a three-decade horizon. Because of that it should prioritise the interests and consequences for the youth.
2. Increasing the size of the EU budget as well as competences of the EU as a whole. The EU should be endowed with greater financial resources and enhanced political authority to proactively address matters that affect all EU citizens, effectively representing the interests of the entire European community.
3. Enhancing communication efforts in Member States. To address this issue, there must be a significant escalation in communication initiatives throughout regions and cities across the EU. It is imperative that every EU citizen, at the very least, receives a fundamental education about the EU’s operations, its mission, and its significance.

The Video Resume

To find out more about the topic watch the video summary of the event on the official website.

Read also

Entrepreneur+ | Entrepreneurship Explained… in 2 Minutes

“I want (you)th”. An Erasmus+ youth exchange to create opportunities for youth

L'articolo A Better Reset of the EU Budget | Policy Dialogue proviene da Youth Networks.