Youth

Did you know that 9 in 10 Erasmus+ participants say that their experience has helped improve their language skills? Or that there were more than 140 sports projects funded by Erasmus+ in 2016? Language learning and sports activities are key elements in promoting intercultural exchanges in the framework of the Erasmus+ programme. Through language learning, people experience cultural nuances, while physical activity and working towards common goals are great ice breakers.

Do you want to do your part to combat climate change? Or save the planet? There are plenty of European Voluntary Service (EVS) opportunities under the topic of sustainability. Take part in 1 of the projects offered by EVS-accredited organisations across Europe, and give something back.

Both Yiorgos from Greece and Aykut from Turkey work with land and embrace nature on a day-to-day basis. Both of these Mediterranean men have inspiring stories to tell about their work in the field of sustainable economy, rural development and agriculture. From tackling the European rural crisis to supporting young people, these men are positive examples of sustainability.

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: the new Erasmus+ application is now available to download! The app allows participants to easily track their progress before, during and after their mobility; to share and vote for their preferred tips to help others integrate into the local community; and to improve their language skills.

A blend of Slack, Facebook and LinkedIn has been created to encourage the Erasmus+ generation and key actors to have their say about the future of Europe and Erasmus+. Unveiled last month, the Erasmus+ Generation Online Meeting Point gives young people and Erasmus+ stakeholders a space to meet, debate, propose topics, identify problems and put forward solutions to collectively shape and build the future of the programme.

In line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable development Goals, the Erasmus+ programme contributes to a greener, equitable and fair society. Ensuring that Europe can continue to grow and improve in a viable way is crucial for our future. This is why Erasmus+ supports education, training and volunteering for a sustainable economy.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus Programme and to celebrate its success, a celebratory event was held in Strasbourg on June the 13th. Among debates on the future of the programme, an awards ceremony and an interactive exhibition, consensus for a larger budget was reached at the heart of the European Parliament's plenary session.

Join your hands together for Europe! As part of the 2017 European Youth Week and as a way to encourage young people to join the European Solidarity Corps, we invited everyone across Europe to stand up and unite their hands in human chains to show their solidarity and commitment to continue building an inclusive and diverse EU. You could do it before, during, or after European Youth week from 1 to 7 May.

How do you encourage young people to become more active citizens? In the past, young Europeans participated in society by voting in elections or getting involved in community activities. These aren’t the only options. For the European Youth Week 2017, we found 33 people who changed the lives and mind-set of thousands by doing something truly meaningful. Supported by Erasmus+, they encourage more young people to get engaged, make their voices heard and move the walls.

This month hundreds of workshops, information stands, round tables, bike tours, hikes, concerts, festivals, games and pick-nicks took place to celebrate European Youth Week 2017. We met inspiring former and current Erasmus+ participants in Brussels, discussed what should be the future of the EU Youth Strategy, informed about Erasmus+ mobility opportunities and joined hands for Europe and solidarity. Most of all, European Youth Week put young people and their achievements in the spotlight! Let's continue to shape it, move it, be it!

Looking for information on how to manage your Erasmus+ projects? Want to know more about the Mobility Tool+? Check out the new guide for beneficiaries, now available online.

Tired of scrolling through long, PDF-based applications? Erasmus+ applications forms are moving from an old, PDF-based format to a web format. The first pilot to be filled in fully online will be the Youth application forms. Web forms for other sectors are coming soon!

This month, we are delighted to let you in on a little secret… The Erasmus+ app is nearly ready! While we don't want to give too much away just yet, let's just say that it is sure to enhance the mobility experience for generations to come. But before the big release date, scheduled for mid-June, we need your help…

The European Solidarity Corps is starting to take shape! Around 28,000 young people have registered, hundreds of organisations have used the portal, several thousand registered young people have been contacted and dozens of placement offers have been made. After these achievements, we are excited to find out what’s next in store.

There are many ways in which the Erasmus+ programme can get you socially engaged, whether by volunteering, participating in trainings, through exchange or by getting bright new ideas.

Young people will be celebrated across Europe during European Youth Week on 1-7 May 2017. The aim of this eighth edition is to highlight the solidarity shown by young people and the contribution they can make to society, to celebrate the Erasmus+ programme, and to give young people in Europe a voice by listening to their ideas on how to shape the future of EU youth policy.

Young people are often at risk of falling victim to networks which do damage to their well-being. Youth workers play a crucial role in supporting young people, helping them to build self-esteem and resilience, and in preventing them from accepting violence as a life choice. The European Commission has created a tool box for youth workers in their daily work.

Thanks to the European Voluntary Service, Phoebe's childhood dream to work with animals has become a reality. By following studies and training with her goal always in mind, she has landed her dream job as a primate caretaker.

Want to sign up more than 1 person to use our services? There is now a new helpful feature in the "Participant Portal" that allows up to 10 additional users to be added. This means there will be constant access to an organisation's data even if one of the users leaves your organisation.

What is it that makes an idea fit for European funding? Check out our online platform where you can have a look at all projects that have been accepted for funding and make sure that your idea is innovative enough! The platform is updated on a daily basis and projects are shared there to inspire you and help you find new partners. Why not take a look?