EUROPEAN
YEAR OF
YOUTH 2022
European
YEAR OF
YOUTH 2022
European Year of Youth 2022 to empower young people
The 2022 European Year of Youth will focus on re-establishing a positive outlook for European young people negatively affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Designating 2022 as a year focused on young people means increased efforts will be made to include youth priorities in relevant EU policy areas and at every level of the EU’s decision-making process . MEPs backed the decision by 604 votes in favour, 25 against and 68 abstentions.
The EYY will aim to engage young people in key consultation processes, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe, and in other public policies at EU, national and local levels. Thanks to a push by MEPs, there will be a special focus on young people with fewer opportunities and on dealing with mental health issues.
The European Year of Youth will include conferences, initiatives promoting youth participation in policy making, awareness-raising campaigns on a more inclusive, green and digital EU, as well as studies and research on the situation in which young people in the EU find themselves.
Improved budget
MEPs secured an €8 million top-up for the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, to support the activities of the year (a figure previously agreed in the 2022 budget conciliation talks with the Council and adopted by Parliament). Additional funding for the implementation of activities will be found in 2022 from other, relevant EU programmes and instruments.
MEPs added the option to make EU funds available after 2022, in order to secure a lasting legacy for the year.
“The next year will lay the foundation for giving young people a stronger platform to make their voices heard”, she stressed, adding that we need “all young people to be involved and participate in creating a better, greener, more digital and inclusive future in Europe.”
Listen to the full plenary debate here
Next steps
European Year of Youth activities will be organised by national coordinators in each member state, together with the European Commission and civil society organisations, and will be overseen by the European Parliament. MEPs successfully negotiated that at national and EU levels there will be an obligation to involve young people and youth organisations at the planning stage of activities.
What is the European Year of Youth?
Make your voice heard! 2022 is the European Year of Youth, shining a light on the importance of European youth to build a better future – greener, more inclusive and digital. With plenty of opportunities to learn, share your vision, meet people and engage in activities all over Europe, the European Year of Youth is the moment to move forward with confidence and hope in a post-pandemic perspective. Find out what the Year has in store for you and join in the #EuropeanYearOfYouth !
More information is available on the official site of the European Union
European YEAR OF Youth in Lithuania
In 2021 in the middle of spring the Parliament of Lithuania, announced 2022 the Year of Youth. When European
Parliament announced that 2022 will also be the Year of Youth in Europe a unique opportunity for youth politics at both national and international level emerged. Youth year gives an opportunity to raise public attention to the Youth situation and Youth problems in Lithuania and Europe, initiate discussions and appropriate decision-making and facilitate youth civic activity in Lithuania. The main Year of Youth theme is Youth empowerment. In order to achieve this goal Youth Affairs Agency, together with its partners, has set 4 objectives: To reach young people who have not previously been reached and inform them about the opportunities at national and EU level; Notice and share good practice in the field of EU youth policy and EU programs; Promote the activity of Youth organizations and Youth; Develop the dialogue between youth and decision makers on youth related topics.