| European Youth Forum | |
|---|---|
Logo of the European Youth Forum |
|
| Abbreviation | YFJ |
| Formation | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Rue Joseph II 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium |
| Official languages | English, French |
| President | Peter Matjašič |
| Website | http://www.youthforum.org |
The European Youth Forum (YFJ, from Youth Forum Jeunesse) is the platform of the national youth councils and international non-governmental youth organisations in Europe.[1] It strives for youth rights in international institutions such as the European Union, the Council of Europe and the United Nations.
The European Youth Forum works in the fields of youth policy and youth work development. It focuses its work on European youth policy matters, whilst through engagement on the global level it is enhancing the capacities of its members and promoting global interdependence. In its daily work the European Youth Forum represents the views and opinions of youth organisations in all relevant policy areas and promotes the cross-sectoral nature of youth policy towards a variety of institutional actors. The principles of equality and sustainable development are mainstreamed in the work of the European Youth Forum.[2]
As of april 2011,[3] it consists of 37[1] National Youth Councils and 59[1] international youth NGOs, a total of 98[4] bodies from across Europe.[3]
Contents |
The European Youth Forum is a European international organisation, which was established in 1996 by national youth councils and international non-governmental youth organisations. It works as the successor to the Council of European National Youth Committees (CENYC), Youth Forum of the European Communities (YFEU) and the European Co-ordination Bureau of International Youth Organisations (ECB), which have been representing youth interests since the sixties[5]
According to the European Youth Forum,[6] their Vision, mission and aims are as follows:
To be the voice of young people in Europe, where young people are equal citizens and are encouraged and supported to achieve their fullest potential as global citizens.
The European Youth Forum is an independent, democratic, youth-led platform, representing national youth councils and international youth organisations from across Europe.
The Youth Forum works to empower young people to participate actively in society to improve their own lives, by representing and advocating their needs and interests and those of their organisations.
| Name | Term |
|---|---|
| Mr Peter Matjašič | 2011–present |
| Mr Tine Radinja | 2009–2010 |
| Ms Bettina Schwarzmayr | 2007–2008 |
| Mr Renaldas Vaisbrodas | 2005–2006 |
| Mr Giacomo Filibeck | 2003–2004 |
| Mr Henrik Söderman | 2001–2002 |
| Mr Pau Solanilla | 1999–2000 |
| Ms Pauliina Arola | 1997–1998 |
| Name | Term |
|---|---|
| Mr Giuseppe Porcaro | 2009–present |
| Mr Diogo Pinto | 2005–2009 |
| Ms Johanna Tzanidaki | 2003–2005 |
| Mr Kim Svendsen | 2001–2002 |
| Mr Tobias Flessenkemper | 1998–2001 |
| Ms Hrönn Pétursdóttir | 1997–1998 |
| Mr Stephen Grogan | 1996 |
In 2007, almost 80% of the Youth Forum income stemmed from annual grants from international institutions. 76% of the total income came from the European Communities’ Budget, through a grant from DG Education and Culture, while around 4% was from Council of Europe grants.[7]
Partnership projects also constitute an essential part of Youth Forum income, and such income includes the support of partner organisations for concrete activities, e.g. YFJ Member Organisations hosting YFJ meetings, or grants from foundations or other entities, such as the United Nations, Governments or Local Authorities.[7]
Volunteer Time Contributions (VTCs)are an essential source of external funding, and which allow the YFJ to fulfill its co-funding requirements as per the European Commission. VTCs also represent the further recognition of volunteer work as an important contribution to society and to the work of youth organisations. These contributions in 2007 represent approximately 5% of the Youth Forum budget.[7]