Erasmus Student Network (ESN)

The Schengen system, once a cornerstone of EU unity, faces major challenges from border checks, political misuse, and crises, threatening citizens’ rights. Yet progress continues, with EU court rulings, DiscoverEU, and new member accessions renewing hope. Defending Schengen remains essential.

Transport makes up about a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and harms the environment. This motion advances the European Youth Forum’s goals on sustainability, inclusion, and participation by calling for greener, fairer, and more accessible transport policies.

In 2010 the Lifelong Learning Platform and the European Youth Forum set up a stakeholders’ coalition related to the adoption of a new EU programme in the field of education and youth for the period 2013-2020. In a joint coalition, youth and education sectors will have more chances to have an advocacy impact in the negotiations.

Many young people feel uncertain about their role in tackling the climate crisis, often disconnected from the impact of personal actions. As eco-emotions rise with climate change, the European Youth Forum calls for action that empowers young people and addresses the emotional toll. Read the motion to learn more.

As youth organisations, we highly appreciate the Erasmus+ programme. However, currently, many countries in Europe that share these principles do not fully benefit from the opportunities offered by Erasmus+.

The mid-term review of the current Erasmus+ Programme (2021-2027) set to be published in July 2025, provides a critical opportunity to reflect on the programme’s successes and challenges while preparing for the next phase. In light of this, the European Youth Forum and its members must actively campaign for a significantly increased budget for Erasmus+ under the next MFF.

International Non-Governmental Youth Organisations (INGYOs) are a crucial part of the European Union Youth Dialogue (EUYD). While they offer many advantages and their contributions remain essential, their presence at EU Youth Dialogue conferences has noticeably diminished in recent years. This development raises concerns about the inclusivity and effectiveness of the dialogue process, as the absence of INGYOs could limit the diversity of perspectives and expertise in youth-related decision-making.

In March 2023, the Government of Georgia initiated work on a legislative proposal on “foreign agents” that would have forced civil society organisations to be registered as being under foreign influence should they be receiving funding from sources outside of the country. As Georgia initiated negotiations for EU membership merely 6 months ago, this underscores how fragile Democracy and the Rule of Law are in our societies and how civic spaces must be protected tirelessly every day, everywhere.

In the European context, young people face visa-related challenges, which vary depending on their specific categorisations. This motion aims to raise attention to streamlining visa procedures for young people and promoting accessible and inclusive learning mobility programs across Europe. It seeks to mitigate bureaucratic barriers and ensure equitable opportunities for all, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering youth.