Research-based analysis of European youth programmes

We are a research network with partners in 34 European countries with 29 languages.

In a nutshell

The RAY Network is an open and self-governed European research network of National Agencies of the European youth programmes and their research partners. The network conducts research on international youth work and youth learning mobility, promotes dialogue between research, policy and practice, and contributes to evidence-based youth policy development in the youth field in Europe.

Highlight Facts

70%

Youth workers and youth leaders who say that the corona pandemic has had major effects on their youth work

84%

Youth workers and youth leaders who address the corona pandemic and its effects in their youth work

55%

Youth workers and youth leaders who saw at least two thirds of their youth work interrupted by the pandemic

17%

Youth workers and youth leaders who managed to transfer all their youth work to online formats

74%

Youth work organisations who had to close their office temporarily during the corona pandemic

50%

Youth workers and youth leaders who say the support of youth work has been somewhat or very inadequate

Latest Reports

Key findings //
Approaches to competence development and capacity building in the European youth programmes

These are the key findings on the approaches to competence development and capacity building in the European youth programmes.

Published in April 2025

Research Report //
Long-term effects of Erasmus+ Youth in Action on participation and citizenship – extension

This is the research report Long-term effects of Erasmus+ Youth in Action on participation and citizenship - extension

Published in January 2025

Research Report //
Effects and outcomes of the European Solidarity Corps

This is the research report monitoring effects and outcomes of the European Solidarity Corps (between 2021 and 2023)

Published in January 2025

Upcoming Events

RAY Thematic Seminar ‘How to use research data for programme implementation’

RAY Thematic Seminar ‘How to use research data for programme implementation’ will take place on 11-13 June in Slovakia.

Latest News

Youth Research Dialogue on evolving competences in youth work

In our Youth Research Dialogue episode 'Youth work in motion: Evolving competences' on 29 April, first findings from RAY COMP research project were presented! Watch the recording here!

Youth Research Dialogue on 29 April

Join us on 29 April for the second Youth Research Dialogue episode in 2025 titled 'Youth work in motion: Evolving competences'! In this episode, we will present first findings from our research project RAY COMP!

Youth Research Dialogue on neighbouring partner countries’ cooperation

Youth Research Dialogues continued on 20 February and the first episode in 2025 was titled 'Neighbouring partner countries’ cooperation: impact and future needs'. Watch the recording here!