The Erasmus Student Network (ESN), one of Europe’s largest youth and student mobility organisations, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) in evaluating the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027). ESN engages with hundreds of thousands of young people each year and captures perspectives from learners of diverse backgrounds, positioning the organisation uniquely to inform discussions about youth policy across Europe.
Launched through a 2018 Council Resolution and operational from 2019 to 2027, the EU Youth Strategy provides a framework for cooperation between EU Member States and European institutions in the youth field. The Strategy aims to make the most of youth policy’s potential by fostering young people’s meaningful participation in society, supporting social and civic engagement and ensuring they have the necessary resources to shape their futures in an inclusive and resilient Europe.
At the heart of the Strategy are three core areas of action, Engage, Connect, and Empower. These pillars guide efforts to encourage democratic and civic involvement, facilitate intercultural exchange and mobility and strengthen youth work and the professional development of youth workers.
ESN’s contribution to the Strategy’s evaluation draws on three main sources of insight, the organisation’s experience supporting student mobility and non-formal learning, its policy and research activities and its participation as an International NGO delegate at the European Youth Conference in Copenhagen. This combination allows ESN to reflect not only on how the Strategy is delivering on its core objectives but also on how it could be strengthened to better address ongoing and emerging challenges faced by young people today.
Looking ahead, ESN hopes its contribution will not only support a robust evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy but also inspire further reflection on how youth policy can adapt to emerging societal challenges. Strengthening youth participation, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and enhancing recognition of youth work remain vital priorities for ESN and for the wider European youth sector as the Strategy approaches its final implementation phase.
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