Erasmus+ Youth in Action
and active citizenship

A powerful enabler of youth participation

Erasmus+ Youth in Action is the European Union’s learning mobility programme for young people and youth work organisations, institutions and professionals. The programme promotes intercultural dialogue, non-formal learning, equity and inclusion. One specific objective is to promote active citizenship and participation of young people. Our research shows that Erasmus+ Youth in Action is successful in achieving this objective and contributes to fostering “the passion, conviction and energy of our young people”, as Ursula von der Leyen phrased it in her political guidelines for the European Commission 2019–2024.

34 Countries

The RAY Network is the open research network of National Agencies of the European youth programmes and their research partners.

same extend as before project
more than before project

Effects on participation and active citizenship of project participants

The majority of the 23.571 respondents state that through their participation in Erasmus+ Youth in Action they strengthened their skills for and reaffirmed their commitment to active citizenship:

I appreciate cultural diversity.

99%

I am interested in contributing to youth policy development.

97%

I am committed to work against discrimination, intolerance and racism.

98%

I feel European.

96%

I keep myself informed on current European affairs.

98%

I engage in voluntary activities.

98%

I actively support the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.

98%

I engage in civil society.

98%

I actively contribute to environmental protection.

98%

I participate in democratic/political life.

97%

Effects on participation and active citizenship of project leaders

The majority of the 5.007 respondents state that through their participation in Erasmus+ Youth in Action they strengthened their skills for and reaffirmed their commitment to active citizenship:

I appreciate cultural diversity

99%