What is the structure of the Youth in Action Programme?

Action 1 – Youth for Europe
Action 1 supports the following subactions:

Sub-Action 1.1 - Youth Exchanges

Youth Exchanges offer an opportunity for groups of young people from different countries to meet and learn about each other’s cultures. The groups plan together their Youth Exchange around a theme of mutual interest.

Sub-Action 1.2 - Youth Initiatives

Youth Initiatives support group projects designed at local, regional and national level. They also support the networking of similar projects between different countries, in order to strengthen their European aspect and to enhance cooperation and exchanges of experiences between young people.

Sub-Action 1.3 - Youth Democracy Projects

Youth Democracy Projects support young people’s participation in the democratic life of their local, regional or national community, and at international level.

Action 2 – European Voluntary Service
The aim of the European Voluntary Service is to support young people's participation in various forms of voluntary activities, both within and outside the European Union.

Under this Action, young people take part individually or in groups in non-profit, unpaid activities.

Action 3 – Youth in the World
Action 3 supports the following sub-Actions:

Sub-Action 3.1 - Cooperation with the Neighbouring Countries of the European Union

This sub-Action supports projects with Neighbouring Partner Countries, namely Youth Exchanges and Training and Networking Projects in the youth field.

Sub-Action 3.2 - Cooperation with Other Countries of the World

This sub-Action concerns cooperation in the youth field, in particular the exchange of good practice with Partner Countries from other parts of the world. It encourages exchanges and training of young people and youth workers, partnerships and networks of youth organisations. Grant requests related to this sub-Action are to be submitted following specific calls for proposals. Sub-Action 3.2 is not covered by this Guide. 

Action 4 – Youth Support Systems
Action 4 supports the following sub-Actions:

Sub-Action 4.1 - Support to bodies active at European level in the youth field

This sub-Action supports the operation of non-governmental organisations active at European level in the youth field that pursue a goal of general European interest (ENGOs). Their activities must contribute to young people's participation in public life and society and the development and implementation of European cooperation activities in the youth field in the broadest sense. Grant requests related to this sub-Action are to be submitted following specific calls for proposals. Sub-Action 4.1 is not covered by this Guide.

Sub-Action 4.2 - Support to the European Youth Forum

This sub-Action supports the ongoing activities of the European Youth Forum. A grant is awarded every year under this sub-Action. Sub-Action 4.2 is not covered by the Guide of the Programme.

Sub-Action 4.3 - Training and networking of those active in youth work and youth organisations

This sub-Action supports the training of those active in youth work and youth organisations, in particular the exchange of experiences, expertise and good practice as well as activities which may lead to long-lasting quality projects, partnerships and networks.

Sub-Action 4.4 - Projects encouraging innovation and quality

This sub-Action supports projects aimed at introducing, implementing and promoting innovative approaches in the youth field. Grant requests related to this sub-Action are to be submitted following specific calls for proposals. Sub-Action 4.4 is not covered by this Guide.

Sub-Action 4.5 - Information activities for young people and those active in youth work and youth organisations

This sub-Action supports activities at European and national level which improve young people’s access to information and communication services and increase the participation of young people in the preparation and dissemination of user-friendly, targeted information products. It also supports the development of European, national, regional and local youth portals for the dissemination of specific information for young people. Grant requests related to this sub-Action are to be submitted following specific calls for proposals. Sub-Action 4.5 is not covered by this Guide.

Sub-Action 4.6 - Partnerships

This sub-Action is for the funding of partnerships in order to develop long-term projects which combine various measures in the Programme. Grant requests related to this sub-Action are to be submitted following specific calls for proposals. Sub-Action 4.6 is not covered by this Guide.

Sub-Action 4.7 - Support for the structures of the Programme

This sub-Action funds the management structures of the Programme, in particular the National Agencies. Sub-Action 4.7 is not covered by the Guide of the Programme.

Sub-Action 4.8 - Adding to the value of the Programme

This sub-Action will be used by the Commission to fund seminars, colloquia and meetings to facilitate the implementation of the Programme and the dissemination and exploitation of its results. Sub-Action 4.8 is not covered by this Guide. 

Action 5 – Support for European Cooperation in the Youth Field
Action 5 supports the following sub-Actions:

Sub-Action 5.1 - Meetings of young people and those responsible for youth policy

This sub-Action supports cooperation, seminars and Structured Dialogue between young people, those active in youth work and those responsible for youth policy.

Sub-Action 5.2 - Support for activities to bring about better knowledge of the youth field

This sub-Action supports the identification of existing knowledge relating to the priorities in the youth field, established in the framework of the Open Method of Coordination. Sub-Action 5.2 is not covered by this Guide.

Sub-Action 5.3 - Co-operation with international organisations

This sub-Action will be used to support the European Union’s cooperation with international organisations working in the youth field, in particular the Council of Europe, the United Nations or its specialised institutions. Sub-Action 5.3 is not covered by this Guide.