Youth and Environment Europe (YEE)

The global ocean is vital for life on Earth but marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by overfishing, pollution, climate change and emerging industries like deep-sea mining. These pressures risk irreversible damage to biodiversity, food systems and climate regulation.

In Europe, young people face visa-related mobility challenges depending on their status. While most EU citizens in Schengen enjoy free movement, non-Schengen youth face barriers. Financial requirements further exclude those from lower-income backgrounds from mobility opportunities.

Humanity faces an unprecedented environmental crisis. Human rights and environmental protection are deeply linked, with a healthy and sustainable environment now formally recognised by the UN as a universal right and fundamental to the enjoyment of human rights.

Artificial Intelligence enables computers to perform human-like tasks and generative AI can create new content. But technology is never neutral: AI brings risks for the environment and safety, making it vital that these technologies align with our values. Read the motion to find out more.

Artificial intelligence has already transformed education across Europe, with young people widely using generative AI tools. Yet schools have largely failed to respond, while AI’s impacts on environment, mental health, media and society remain underdiscussed.

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.

The climate crisis is the top concern for young people across Europe, many of whom are already experiencing the impacts of extreme weather and know they will face even greater consequences in the future. As the European Commission prepares to publish its 2040 climate target on 2 July 2025, we joined forces with Generational Climate Europe and Youth and Environment Europe to call for a high level of ambition, backed by real, domestic climate action.

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.

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.