Since 2010, landmark youth work events, standards and processes have been launched at the European level. These processes have led to two important European-level policy documents: Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)4 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on youth work – the most encompassing European standard for youth work development at national and local levels, and the 2020 European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA), a framework document for European co-operation on youth work development adopted by the European Union Council and endorsed by the Council of Europe (the Organisation) youth statutory bodies. Building on the resources developed by the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership and the partner institution standards and support mechanisms for the youth work community of practice, this handbook is the result of a regional seminar held in Sarajevo in 2022.

The handbook starts with an introduction to European youth work concepts, milestone events and legal frameworks, and the priorities and commitments to their implementation by the Council of Europe and the European Union. The next part presents the realities of youth work in the two regions, based on studies by the EU–Council of Europe Youth Partnership, and identifies the global and European contexts, the common objectives, and challenges, as well as the role of different members of the community of practice. The handbook aims to give practical guidance, including reflection questions, ideas for action and good practices to inspire those actions.

We invite policy makers, youth work practitioners, actors planning or implementing strategies for youth work development at organisational, local or national level, to use the handbook. We encourage trainers and educators to include it in the reading lists, curricula and activities. Managers and leaders in youth centres, organisations or public bodies can explore within their own structures any topic reflected in this handbook and find inspiration for further action. Youth workers and youth work organisations can use it to sharpen the focus of their advocacy and volunteering activities.

So, call up your community of practice friends and let’s dive into the contents together!

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