Young Voices for Europe 2026 offers young people a chance to shape EU youth policies. This fully funded event takes place in Lyon, France, from July 15 to 17, 2026. It brings together 30 participants aged 18 to 30 for talks with Commissioner Glenn Micallef on key youth issues.
Why This Dialogue Matters
The EU is working on its next Youth Strategy. This event lets young people add their ideas directly. It focuses on real problems like inclusion, challenges for youth, and better policies. By joining, you help make sure policies fit what young Europeans need. No policy experience is needed, so anyone passionate about change can apply.
Key Discussion Topics
Participants will cover three main areas.
Making Youth Participation More Inclusive
Talks will look at ways to include everyone, no matter their background. This means people from different social groups, economic levels, ethnicities, disabilities, education, or locations. The goal is to give every young person a voice in policies that affect them.
Addressing Challenges Young People Face
The group will share views on big issues. These include jobs, mental health, education, social inclusion, housing, digital changes, climate action, and more youth roles in government. You can bring personal stories and suggest fixes.
Building a Youth-Centered EU Strategy
Discussions aim to spot gaps in current support. Participants will point out weak policies and offer new ideas. This helps create stronger ways for the EU to engage young people across Europe.
Who Can Apply
You qualify if you meet these rules:
- Age 18 to 30
- Live in geographical Europe
- Speak English well
- Free to attend in Lyon July 15-17, 2026
- Never joined a Youth Policy Dialogue before
The event welcomes diverse backgrounds.
What the Funding Covers
Everything is paid for selected participants:
- Travel to Lyon
- Hotel stays July 15 and 16
- Meals at the event
- Local travel and transfers
- Side activities
- Networking with other youth leaders
This setup lets anyone join without money worries.
More Than Just Talks
Besides policy sessions, enjoy Lyon through group activities. This builds cross-cultural ties, new friendships, and lasting contacts from across Europe. The event mixes learning, fun, and connections.
How to Apply
Fill out the EU Survey form online. You need:
- Name, nationality, job, contact info
- Answers to questions on youth in policymaking
- A 200-word response on your chosen topic
Pick your preferred discussion area in the form. Click here to apply.
Prep Before the Event
If selected, join at least one online meeting first. It covers event goals, prep for talks, key themes, and intros to others.
Application Deadline
Submit by May 13, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Apply soon, as late ones may not count.
Reasons to Apply
This goes beyond a free trip. You can influence EU policies, meet leaders, build skills in leadership and speaking, gain global views, grow networks, and help Europe’s future. It often leads to more chances in policy or youth work. For details, check this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Young Voices for Europe 2026?
It is a fully funded event in Lyon, France, from July 15 to 17, 2026, that brings together 30 young people aged 18 to 30 to discuss EU youth policies with Commissioner Glenn Micallef.
Who can apply for the event?
You can apply if you are aged 18 to 30, live in geographical Europe, speak English well, are free to attend in Lyon, and have never joined a Youth Policy Dialogue before.
What does the funding cover?
The funding pays for travel to Lyon, hotel stays on July 15 and 16, meals during the event, local travel, transfers, side activities, and networking opportunities.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Fill out the online EU Survey form with your details, answers to questions on youth policymaking, and a 200-word response on your chosen topic. The deadline is May 13, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
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