The European Youth Goals are the outcome of the EU Youth Dialogue – Youth in Europe: What’s next? which took place in 2017/2018. There are 11 youth goals, which were chosen by young people from across Europe. The 11 European Youth Goals identify cross-sectoral areas that affect young people’s lives and where they feel that change is needed. Contact Léargas for information on how you can address the concerns of young people through Erasmus+ Youth in Action.

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2. Introduction
The European Youth Goals are the outcome of the sixth cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue – Youth in Europe:
What’s next? which took place in 2017/2018. There are 11 youth goals, which were chosen by young people
from across Europe. The 11 European Youth Goals identify cross-sectoral areas that affect
young people’s lives and where they feel that change is needed.

3. What is European Youth Dialogue?
EU Youth Dialogue is a dialogue between young people, youth organisations and decision-makers at a
European level.
It facilitates consultation on issues of importance to young people and supports the implementation
of policy objectives such as the EU Youth Strategy.
EU Youth Dialogue is organised in 18-month work cycles with each cycle focusing on different thematic
areas. In Ireland, young people contribute to the EU Youth Dialogue process through the National Youth
Council of Ireland, Young Voices.
Erasmus+ provides funding for Youth Dialogue projects to support young people to discuss issues and
policies that affect their lives with relevant decision-makers. This can include the European Youth Goals.
These discussions can take place at a local, national or transnational level and can feed into the EU Youth
Dialogue at a European level.
The Erasmus+ programme offers many other opportunities to address issues relevant to
the European Youth Goals. To find out more about the Programme check out www.leargas.ie.

4. 1. Connecting EU with Youth
A lot of young people don’t understand how the EU works; its principles, its
values and its functioning. Young people feel disconnected and that they don’t
have the opportunity to take part in EU processes. This leads to young people
being skeptical about the EU.
GOAL: Foster the sense of youth belonging to the European project and build a bridge between
the EU and young people to regain trust and increase participation.
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5. 2. Equality of All Genders
Gender-based discrimination still affects many young people, especially young
women. Equal opportunities and access to rights need to be ensured for young
people of all genders, including non-binary and LGBTQI+ young people.
GOAL: Ensure equality of all genders and gender-sensitive approaches in all areas of life of a
young person.
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6. 3. Inclusive Societies
Often young people don't have access to their social rights, and many face
discrimination, hate crimes and prejudice. It is important to work towards all
young people's rights, including young people who are marginalised and
excluded. High levels of migration lead to social inclusion challenges. One third
of young people experience poverty and social exclusion.
GOAL: Enable and ensure the inclusion of all young people in society.
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7. 4. Information and Constructive Dialogue
Young people experience difficulties fact checking information, including on
social media. Young people need more support in place in order to find reliable
information and to take part in dialogue.
GOAL: Ensure young people have better access to reliable information, support their ability to
evaluate information critically and engage in participatory and constructive dialogue.
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8. 5. Mental Health & Wellbeing
An increasing number of young people across Europe are concerned about the
high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, along with other mental health
issues among young people, some of which are caused by societal pressures.
Young people are expressing the need for better mental health provision.
GOAL: Achieve better mental wellbeing and end stigmatisation of mental health issues, thus
promoting social inclusion of all young people.
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9. 6. Moving Rural Youth Forward
Almost one third of the EU population live in rural settings. It is important to
ensure equality for young people in urban and rural settings. There are many
differences between living in urban and rural areas.
GOAL: Create conditions enabling young people to fulfill their potential in rural areas.
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10. 7. Quality Employment for All
Young people are experiencing high levels of youth unemployment, and
uncertain working conditions. They also experience exploitation and
discrimination. There is a lack of information, and young people struggle to gain
the right skills for the working world. Steps need to be taken to access quality
employment for all. .
GOAL: Guarantee an accessible labour market with opportunities that lead to quality jobs for all
young people.
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11. 8. Quality Learning
Education is important to be an active citizen and to be included in
society and to find work. In education there needs to be a focus on transferable
skills, student-centred learning and non-formal education. This kind of approach
will help achieve a more equal and universal approach to quality learning.
GOAL: Integrate and improve different forms of learning, equipping young people for the
challenges of an ever-changing life in the 21st century.
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12. 9. Space and Participation for All
Not all young people have the opportunity to take part in decision
making processes which affect them. Young people need the right supports in
their communities for their personal, cultural and political development.
GOAL: Strengthen young people’s democratic participation and autonomy as well as provide
dedicated youth spaces in all areas of society .
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13. 10. Sustainable Green Europe
Climate change is becoming an increasingly big issue, which society needs to
act on. Many people are not willing to acknowledge the impact climate change
has on currrent and future generations. We all need to take responsibility for our
actions and choose sustainable options.
GOAL: Achieve a society in which all young people are environmentally active, educated and
able to make a difference in their everyday lives.
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14. 11. Youth Organisations and European Programmes
Millions of young people are involved in youth organisations and European
youth programmes. These help to develop young peoples' active citizenship and
life skills. However, many youth organisations and European youth programmes
are underfunded. Many lack recognition and are inaccessible.
GOAL: Ensure equal access for all young people to youth organisations and European youth
programmes, building a society based on European values and identity. .
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15. Get in Touch
If you'd like to know more about 'Youth Dialogue'
and the Erasmus+ Youth 'Support for Policy Reform'
projects contact Pia in Léargas.
Pia Janning
Key Action 3, Youth Dialogue
Tel. 01 887 1208
Email. pjanning@leargas.ie
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