EU programmes for the youth sector

Four people put their arms around the shoulders or the person next to them. They stand at the top of a hill and watch the sunset.

Erasmus+: The EU programme for young people and youth workers

With Erasmus+ Youth the European Union supports young people and institutions and individuals that are active in youth work. It promotes transnational exchanges and encounters between young people. It also supports mobility and the transfer of knowledge between youth workers in Europe. Strategic partnerships enable long-term cooperation between organisations working in the youth sector. These contribute to improving quality and professionalising the youth sector. Organisations and associations (not individuals) can apply for funding at the OeAD as the national agency for Erasmus+.

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European Solidarity Corps: EU funding programme for volunteering and solidarity projects

The European Union promotes voluntary work by young people through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). The ESC supports volunteering in non-profit organisations and companies that work in the social sector. Local initiatives by young people, known as solidarity projects, are also financed by the ESC. Organisations that want to offer volunteering opportunities can become accredited with the OeAD, the national agency for the European Solidarity Corps. Interested young people can find many possible places for their voluntary work all over Europe in the ESC project database. Further information and contact details of regional advice centres in all federal provinces are available on the OeAD website solidaritaetskorps.at.

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DiscoverEU

What is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is an EU initiative that offers young people the opportunity to travel in Europe. The aim is to connect young people in Europe with their European identity and to raise awareness of the fundamental values of the European Union through travel.

How does DiscoverEU work?

There are application rounds twice a year, with at least 30,000 travel passes awarded by the European Commission each time. In 2021 more than 1,200 Austrians received such passes.

The winners have 5-6 months to take their trip by train. Travellers can choose between a flexible and a fixed travel booking. More than 95% of the travellers opt for the flexible option, an Interrail Global Pass, which allows them to travel through Europe for free for up to one month.

The competition is open to people from the EU aged 18.

To the European Youth Portal