Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group 2026–2027: Call for Six Young Representatives to Shape Youth Participation in Europe

Are you a young person passionate about youth participation, democratic life, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to have their voices heard? The Youth Participation Strategy (YPS) Steering Group is inviting young people aged 18 to 30 to apply for the 2026–2027 mandate.

The SALTO Participation and Information Resource Centre (SALTO PI) is looking for six youth representatives with experience in the Erasmus+ and/or European Solidarity Corps programmes and a demonstrated interest in youth participation at local, national, and/or international level.

Selected youth representatives will have the opportunity to contribute directly to the work of the Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group, including monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the YPS and supporting efforts to strengthen meaningful youth participation in democratic life.

The application deadline is 9 October 2026.

What Is the Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group?

The Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group is connected to the implementation of the Youth Participation Strategy (YPS) within the framework of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

The strategy focuses on strengthening meaningful youth participation in democratic life. The Steering Group brings together youth representatives and key stakeholders involved in youth participation and the implementation of the strategy.

For the 2026–2027 mandate, six young people will be selected through an open call to join representatives of important Youth Participation Strategy stakeholders and partners.

These include representatives from:

• The European Commission
• National Agencies
• SALTO Resource Centres
• The RAY Network
• European youth umbrella organisations
• Other key Youth Participation Strategy stakeholders and partners

This structure provides young representatives with an opportunity to work alongside organisations and institutions involved in shaping and implementing youth participation initiatives.

Call for Six Youth Representatives

SALTO Participation and Information Resource Centre is seeking six youth representatives for the 2026–2027 Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group mandate.

The call is specifically aimed at young people who already have experience with Erasmus+ and/or the European Solidarity Corps and who are interested in strengthening youth participation in democratic life.

This is therefore an opportunity for young people who have moved beyond simply participating in youth programmes and have developed an understanding of youth participation, democratic engagement, or related activities.

What Will Selected Youth Representatives Do?

Becoming a member of the Steering Group involves contributing to the broader implementation and development of the Youth Participation Strategy.

According to the call, youth representatives will contribute to several important areas.

1. Support Monitoring and Evaluation of the Youth Participation Strategy

One of the responsibilities of the Steering Group is to support the full-term monitoring and evaluation of how the Youth Participation Strategy has been implemented during the 2021–2027 period.

This means representatives can contribute youth perspectives to discussions about how the strategy has been implemented and how its objectives and priorities are being addressed.

The participation of young representatives is particularly relevant because the strategy itself is focused on meaningful youth participation.

2. Promote Meaningful Youth Participation in Democratic Life

Another important responsibility is promoting the implementation of meaningful participation in democratic life.

Youth representatives will contribute to efforts to make youth participation an important priority within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

The opportunity therefore connects youth participation with broader democratic engagement and encourages young people to play an active role in shaping the programmes that affect them.

3. Provide Advice on the Implementation of the Strategy

Members of the Steering Group will also have the opportunity to advise on the implementation of the Youth Participation Strategy.

This includes providing perspectives and input concerning the strategy’s priority areas.

The youth representatives can therefore contribute not only as participants but also as advisers whose experiences and perspectives can inform discussions about youth participation.

4. Contribute to Initiatives Supporting the Strategy’s Goals

The selected representatives will also have the opportunity to develop initiatives that contribute to the goals of the Youth Participation Strategy.

This provides space for representatives to move from discussion and advice toward practical contributions that support the strategy’s objectives.

Who Is SALTO Participation and Information Resource Centre?

The call is organised by the SALTO Participation and Information Resource Centre (SALTO PI).

SALTO PI is involved in supporting youth participation and information-related work within the broader European youth programme environment.

For this particular call, SALTO PI is looking for young people who can bring practical experience and youth perspectives into the Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group.

Eligibility Requirements

The call identifies three key areas of experience and interest that applicants should have.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

18 to 30 years old.

This age requirement is specifically stated in the call for youth representatives.

Experience With Erasmus+ and/or European Solidarity Corps

Applicants should have experience with the:

• Erasmus+ programme, and/or
• European Solidarity Corps programme

Experience with one or both of these programmes is therefore an important part of the eligibility profile.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their previous involvement has given them an understanding of European youth programmes and participation.

Experience in Youth Participation

Applicants should also have experience in youth participation.

This experience can be at:

• Local level
• National level
• International level

The call does not limit applicants to one particular level of youth participation. Instead, experience at any of these levels can be relevant.

Interest in Strengthening Youth Participation

Applicants should have a genuine interest in strengthening youth participation in the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

This means that applicants should be able to demonstrate an interest in improving how young people participate in democratic life and how youth participation can be meaningfully incorporated into these programmes.

Key Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

Applicants should meet the following profile:

1. Be 18–30 years old.
2. Have experience with Erasmus+ and/or the European Solidarity Corps.
3. Have experience in youth participation at local, national, and/or international level.
4. Have an interest in strengthening youth participation within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

Why This Opportunity Matters for Young People

Youth participation is not only about allowing young people to express their opinions. Meaningful participation involves creating opportunities for young people to contribute to decisions, initiatives, and processes that affect their lives and communities.

The YPS Steering Group provides a structure through which young representatives can contribute their experiences to discussions about youth participation at a broader European programme level.

For selected participants, this can provide exposure to the work of major stakeholders involved in youth participation, including European institutions, National Agencies, SALTO Resource Centres, youth organisations, and research networks.

Opportunity to Work With Key European Youth Stakeholders

The Steering Group will not consist exclusively of the six youth representatives.

It will also include representatives from key Youth Participation Strategy stakeholders and partners.

These include:

• European Commission representatives
• National Agencies
• SALTO Resource Centres
• RAY Network representatives
• European youth umbrella organisations

This creates a collaborative environment where young representatives can contribute alongside organisations and institutions with responsibilities related to youth participation.

What Kind of Applicant Is the Call Looking For?

The call is particularly suited to young people who can combine practical experience, youth participation knowledge, and an interest in democratic engagement.

A strong applicant would ideally be able to demonstrate:

• Previous participation in Erasmus+ and/or European Solidarity Corps activities
• Practical involvement in youth participation
• Experience working with or for young people
• Experience at local, national, or international level
• Interest in democratic participation
• Understanding of the importance of meaningful youth involvement
• Motivation to strengthen participation within European youth programmes

The provided call does not state that applicants need a particular university degree or specific academic qualification.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group 2026–2027 is:

9 October 2026

Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline through the designated online application form.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted online through the official application form provided in the call.

Application Form:

Apply to Become a Youth Representative

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the role description before completing their application so they understand the expectations associated with membership of the Steering Group.

Further Information About the Role

The full role description is available through the application materials provided with the call.

The call also provides a link to information about the work of the previous Steering Group, allowing prospective applicants to gain a better understanding of how co-steering has contributed to Europe’s youth participation strategy.

Read About the Previous Steering Group’s Work. 

learn more hERE

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Because only six youth representatives will be selected, applicants should make their application as relevant and convincing as possible.

1. Demonstrate Your Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps Experience

Clearly explain your experience with Erasmus+ and/or the European Solidarity Corps.

Rather than simply listing activities, explain what you learned and how the experience contributed to your understanding of youth participation.

2. Highlight Your Youth Participation Experience

Describe the youth participation activities you have been involved in.

This could include experience at:

• Local level
• National level
• International level

Make clear what your role was and how you contributed.

3. Explain Why Youth Participation Matters to You

Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in strengthening youth participation.

Explain what meaningful youth participation means from your perspective and why you believe young people should have a stronger role in democratic life.

4. Connect Your Experience to Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps

The opportunity specifically focuses on strengthening youth participation within these programmes.

Applicants should therefore explain how their experience could help contribute to this objective.

5. Think Beyond Personal Benefits

A strong application should demonstrate not only what the applicant hopes to gain but also what they can contribute.

Consider explaining:

• What perspective you would bring as a young representative
• What you have learned from your youth participation experience
• What challenges young people face when trying to participate
• How participation could be made more meaningful
• What you could contribute to the Steering Group’s discussions and initiatives

Questions and Technical Support

Applicants who have questions or experience technical difficulties with the application process can contact the designated email address:

saltoparticipation@harno.ee

This contact is specifically provided for questions or technical issues related to the application process.

Important Facts About the Opportunity

Conclusion

The Youth Participation Strategy Steering Group 2026–2027 offers young people an opportunity to take an active role in shaping and strengthening youth participation within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes.

SALTO Participation and Information Resource Centre is seeking six young representatives aged 18 to 30 who have experience with Erasmus+ and/or the European Solidarity Corps, experience in youth participation at local, national and/or international level, and a strong interest in strengthening young people’s participation in democratic life.

Selected representatives will contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the Youth Participation Strategy for the 2021–2027 period, advise on its implementation and priority areas, promote meaningful participation, and contribute to initiatives supporting the strategy’s goals.

With the Steering Group bringing together young representatives and key stakeholders such as the European Commission, National Agencies, SALTO Resource Centres, the RAY Network, and European youth umbrella organisations, the opportunity provides a platform for young people to contribute their experiences and perspectives to European youth participation work.

The application deadline is 9 October 2026. Young people who meet the requirements and are passionate about meaningful youth participation should review the call and submit their application through the official online form before the deadline.

For more opportunitIes HERE