The Youth Partnership has long-standing experience in coordinating networks of experts and national correspondents from public authorities responsible for youth, through the European Knowledge Centre for Youth Policy (EKCYP). This network has served as a central hub for the collection of information on national youth policies and contributed to the development of country factsheets, including on youth work developments.

Since 2021, following the outcomes of the 3rd European Youth Work Convention, the German Erasmus+ National Agency has coordinated the Strategic National Agency Cooperation (SNAC) project Strengthening Youth Work by Supporting the Implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA). From 2024 to 2026, this continues through the Growing Youth Work SNAC, involving 16 National Agencies and SALTO Resource Centres. These initiatives support the implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda through a range of actions, including the coordination of a network of National Contact Points (appointed by CDEJ members and willing to bring youth work forward) and studies on national processes related to the EYWA.

Objectives

Building on the outcomes of the 4th European Youth Work Convention and mandated to ensure their follow-up, the Youth Partnership will ensure the continuation of the co-ordination of the network of National Contact Points on youth work from 2027 onwards, following a transitional year in 2026. The network aims to strengthen youth work development at the national level across Europe, aligning with the latest policy frameworks of both partner institutions and the roadmap of the 4th Convention. Members will benefit from capacity building initiatives related to youth work development and be invited to take part in some activities planned in the workplan.

More specifically, the network will:

  • Promote, communicate, and disseminate the conclusions and roadmap of the 4th European Youth Work Convention, and encourage their follow-up at national level, adapted to each country’s context.
  • Share regular updates on youth work developments at national level and contribute to the mapping exercise.
  • Contribute to Youth Partnership activities on youth work planned for 2026–2028, particularly the communication action on the importance and value of youth work and advocacy efforts at national level.
  • Act as multipliers by promoting and disseminating the outputs and resources of the Youth Partnership, as well as information on European-level developments (Council of Europe and EU initiatives, in particular) in their respective countries.
  • Facilitate the exchange of practices and initiatives, promote innovation, and support peer learning on key topics and priorities.

The mandate and membership of the network of National Contact Points will be further defined in 2026.

Expected outcomes

  • Terms of Reference outlining the group’s mandate, membership criteria, and operational procedures (finalised in 2026).
  • In-person / online meetings will be held in 2027-2028, designed as task-based working sessions requiring members to actively shape and deliver youth work development initiatives within their country.
  • A joint meeting with the EU-Council of Europe Networking group.

Indicative timeline

2026

Transitional year with the German National Agency

2027

Two meetings of the network of national correspondents (in person/online)

2028

Meeting/seminar of the network of national correspondents and EU-Council of Europe networking group on youth work development at European level (in person).

Meeting of the network of national correspondents (online)