Youth in Action programme

The Programme aims at encouraging young people to reflect on their role in European society and on how they can contribute to the Union’s future peace and prosperity.

The desire to promote active European citizenship is now a key priority of the EU across the board, as reflected in Commission Communication, COM (2004) 154 final: ‘Making citizenship work: fostering European culture and diversity through programmes for youth, culture, audiovisual and civic participation.’

Time to join the chorus

The bid to instil active citizenship in Europe’s youth along these lines could not be more timely: the EU now has 27 Member States and more than 70 million young people between 15 and 25 years of age, many of whom have differing social and cultural backgrounds. The cohesion of the Union depends on actively engaging Europe’s youth in the European project.

The Youth in Action programme promotes solidarity among young people, allowing them to experience other cultures and work across borders on issues of mutual interest.

The aim of building European citizenship runs through all the Actions of the Programme.