Civil Society Cooperation in the field of Youth - FPA (2026-2027)

Objective:The objective of the present call is to provide structural support, referred to as operating grants, to European non-governmental organisations (ENGOs) and EU-wide networks active in the field of youth pursuing the following general aims/objectives:

• Raise awareness of the EU Youth Strategy including the European Youth Goals, through actions to engage, connect and empower youth;
• Promote and strengthen the EU Youth Dialogue in order to build young people’s confidence in the EU project by addressing the democratic deficit, lack of transparency and visibility and to ensure meaningful youth involvement and dialogue at all stages of EU decision-making by improving existing participation mechanisms and creating new ones. This will build on the legacy of the European Year of Youth and its commitment to strengthen the EUYD as the main youth participation instrument in Europe.-Strengthen dialogue with civil society and citizens, particularly young people;
• Ensure young people have better access to reliable information, support their ability to evaluate information critically and engage in participatory and constructive dialogue;
• Strengthen young people’s democratic participation and autonomy as well as provide dedicated youth spaces in all areas of society;
• Increase commitment and cooperation of youth civil society actors with public authorities for the implementation of policies in areas relevant for young people;
• Boost youth stakeholder participation, including by building upon the potential of digital communication alongside other forms of participation;
• Boost youth civil society involvement in the dissemination of policy and programme actions including results and good practices among their membership and beyond.

The call also embraces the four general priorities of the EU Commission as embedded in the Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps programmes namely – inclusion and diversity, - digital transformation, - environment and fight against climate change as well as participation in democratic life. Moreover, giving young people a voice on their future is a priority for the new Commission with new initiatives announced by the President such as the Youth Policy dialogues with Commissioners and the President’s Youth Advisory Board. This is part of the Commission work in embedding youth participation, developing a true and lasting culture of participative democracy. These general objectives should be clearly embedded in the work plans, activities and deliverables of the applicant organisations.