New funding guidelines for the European Youth Foundation

The new provisions are the result of a long-standing reform process and are based on consultations with member states, youth organisations and experts, in which the German Federal Youth Council also participated.

The key innovations include

• Differentiated forms of funding (short projects, international cooperation, structural support)

• Simplified application and reporting systems with clear deadlines and guidelines

• Introduction of a registration system for applicant organisations and mandatory confirmation of registration

• Funding models with a combination of lump sums and actual costs as well as a fund to compensate for disadvantages

• Reduced obligation to co-finance where possible

This reform strengthens the institutional foundation of the EYF and should ensure that the funding of youth organisations is based on modern, transparent and flexible principles in future.

The ideas and proposals put forward by youth organisations during the consultations can be implemented through these guidelines. The reform process remains dynamic: in practical terms, implementation measures are still pending, particularly of a technical nature. The first calls for tenders based on the new procedural rules are expected to be launched at the beginning of 2026. This will be accompanied by information services for all relevant stakeholders, especially youth organisations.

The German Federal Youth Council welcomes the adoption of these guidelines and will play an active role in monitoring the process in order to support effective and participatory implementation in German-speaking countries. At the same time, the DBJR will take into account developments at partner youth organisations in the context of shrinking spaces.