EUROPEAN YEAR OF YOUTH 2022 SET TO START ON 1 JANUARY

On 14 December, the European Parliament confirmed the decision to organise youth-focused and youth-centric activities and initiatives across all Member States in 2022. The debate that was held in its Plenary Session on this topic, with the presence of Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, highlighted the general enthusiasm of the MEPs with regards to the initiative and their dedication to making the European Year of Youth 2022 a success. It should be the beginning of a more comprehensive and inclusive youth policy-making agenda and process. The main takeaways of the debate were:

·        To include youth in European and national policymaking
·        To engage young people in co-creating the year’s programme
·        To increase EU funding opportunities to finance accompanying initiatives

With an agreement being found by all institutions, the European Year of Youth is set to start in January 2022. Its implementation will be supported by a budget of €8 million (earmarked form the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes). Other funding opportunities will be provided in 2022 from other EU programmes and instruments.  Each Member State will appoint a national coordinator who is to oversee the organisation of the activities at national levels in cooperation with the European Commission and civil society organisations, and under the oversight of the European Parliament.