Strengthening youth organisations in the EU's neighbourhoods

‘Capacity-building in the field of youth’ projects develop partnerships between youth organisations in the EU and other Erasmus+ countries, and organisations in countries further afield.

As in previous years, funding for non-EU countries has focused on building cooperation with countries in the Western Balkans, the Neighbourhood East and the Southern Mediterranean.

The main goal of these projects is to support organisations working with young people outside formal learning. This includes promoting non-formal learning activities like clubs or community groups.

Projects focus on different areas that matter to young people. These could include helping them

• get more involved in politics
• be more ready for the job market
• gain strong green and digital skills
• get support for their mental well-being

Another strong focus is to include young people with fewer opportunities.

New focus on Sub-Saharan Africa

A new feature this year is to make funding available to increase cooperation with youth organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a part of the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, an initiative funded under the Global Gateway, these projects will support the same goals and focus on the same thematic areas as those in the EU’s neighbourhoods.

However, what is special for projects with Sub-Saharan African partners is a new, strengthened youth mobility focus to foster exchanges and improve their participation in civic life.

Total budget

Almost €17 million have been allocated to the 55 projects selected in the 2025 call for proposals.

Examples of projects

Empowering young people in Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Lesotho, Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania) to become leaders in green entrepreneurship and sustainable development with collaboration between youth organisations, educational institutions and policymakers in the EU and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Developing innovative approaches through art to address challenges of cyberbullying, bullying, and hate speech among young people in Albania, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Addressing issues of media illiteracy and promoting responsible online behaviour among young people in Georgia, Ukraine and Armenia by developing new ways in youth work to combat oppressive content in media.

Developing methodologies for organisations providing non-formal education (in Egypt, Morocco and Lebanon) in the field of human rights protection with a specific focus on women’s rights and gender-based inequalities.