Exchange Forum on the European Youth Work Agenda. Boosting national processes for youth work development

The European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA) intends to strengthen and develop youth work across Europe. Its implementation relies on vivid processes at national level. The Exchange Forum on the European Youth Work Agenda is the annual residential event for key stakeholders shaping the national processes within the context of the EYWA in their respective European countries.

Representatives of each country’s National Contact Point, who are responsible for supporting and managing the national processes, are invited to attend. This call is also addressed to key stakeholders who shape youth work development, as well as representatives of ministries responsible for youth and/or youth work, and of the National Agencies for the EU youth programmes.

The event is organised by the Strategic National Agencies Cooperation (SNAC) project “Growing Youth Work”. It is hosted in Skopje by the North Macedonian National Agency for the EU youth programmes and co-hosted and supported by the German and Dutch National Agencies.

Aims of the conference

The Exchange Forum aims to provide a dynamic space for mutual inspiration, peer exchange, and joint learning about the progress, challenges, and opportunities in developing youth work at national level. It will also aim to reflect on the impact that major European-level youth work events — such as the 4th European Youth Work Convention and the Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth of the Council of Europe — have had and will have on the implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda and the development of youth work at national and European levels. Together, participants will explore how the outcomes of these events can inspire further action, foster cross-border cooperation, and build sustainable structures for youth work development across Europe.

How will we work?

The programme will include a variety of interactive methods, including speeches, discussions on thematic priorities and inspiring practices, and a presentation of current findings on national implementation. There will be plenty of opportunities for exchange, networking, reflection, co-creation, joint planning and exploring funding opportunities and available resources to support further development. Participants will be encouraged to collaborate on shaping parts of the agenda and contribute their ideas for future cooperation.

This is the right event for you if you want to:

• Learn more about other countries’ implementation processes and be inspired by good practices
• Engage in in-depth exchange on thematic priorities and new trends
• Reflect on the impact of European-level youth work events and connect them to your national reality
• Share successes and challenges in developing youth work at national, regional and local levels
• Develop ideas for future co-operation and collective follow-up
• Explore available resources for supporting national and transnational youth work initiatives

Profile of participants

This invitation is open to:

• Representatives of National Contact Points (or equivalent structures) for the European Youth Work Agenda
• Representatives of national implementation partners, e.g., national umbrella organisations, youth workers associations, youth work networks, youth councils
• Representatives of ministries responsible for youth and/or youth work
• Representatives of National Agencies for the EU youth programmes supporting youth work development
   

All countries of the geographical scope of the Council of Europe are welcome. Countries are encouraged to participate in pairs or small national teams to maximise the impact. Applications from delegations representing various youth work stakeholders at national level are especially welcome.

Practicalities

Dates: 1–4 December 2025
Venue: Skopje, North Macedonia

The programme will start on 1 December 2025 at 18:00 CET and end with departures on 4 December 2025 (travel day).

Preliminary programme flow:

1 Dec. 2025 

• 14-18 CET: Registration opens, optional informal offers
• 18 CET: Start of the event | Welcome and networking evening incl. dinner

2 Dec. 2025 

• Space for good practices and exchange about national processes for youth work development
• Inspiration by and discussion of the latest research findings about the national processes of implementing the EYWA 

3 Dec. 2025 

• Focus on European processes, developments and opportunities supporting national youth work development
• Cooperation, action planning and next steps
• Evening out incl. city tour and traditional North Macedonian restaurant

4 Dec. 2025

• Departures 

How to apply

Should you be interested in attending the event, please apply by 15 September 2025 via the “Apply now” button on the right top of this page. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Further information

Find more information on the SNAC Growing Youth Work, the European Youth Work Agenda and the national processes here: https://www.growingyouthwork.eu/

Explore the latest research findings of the state of play of national processes within the EYWA implementation in the Survey Report 2025 and in this visualisation of the report.

Please note that the event is funded by the programme Erasmus+ Youth and that the selection of participants will be done by the National Agencies and regional SALTO Youth Centres.

The organisers will cover accommodation and meals for all participants.

Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries, Partner Countries Neighbouring the EU

English

This project is financed by the participating National Agencies (NAs) of the Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme. The participation fee varies from country to country. Please contact your National Agency or SALTO Resource Centre (SALTO) to learn more about the participation fee for participants from your country.

Travel costs for selected participants can be reimbursed by the respective National Agency or regional SALTO Youth Centre.

Please contact your NA or SALTO in order to know whether they would support your travel costs. If yes, after being selected, get in touch with your NA or SALTO again to learn more about the overall procedure to arrange the booking of your travel tickets and the reimbursement of your travel expenses.

You will receive more information about and final confirmation for the event in October 2025. Please do not make your travel arrangements until you have received final confirmation, including practicalities.

If you have any questions or see any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact us.