A major milestone in the Reform process of the European Youth Foundation, that started in 2022, has taken place on 24 September 2025. The new Operational Regulations of the European Youth Foundation were approved by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe at their 1538th meeting. They will enter into force three months after their adoption, on 24 December 2025.
These Operational Regulations were designed to ensure that the Foundation acts as a unique, agile and relevant donor for youth organisations across Europe and adopts a dynamic approach to grant-making, fostering a trust-based relationship with international and national youth non-governmental organisations and networks, as well as other non-governmental structures involved in youth work.
The main adjustments in the new Regulations can be summarised as follows.
Grant types
These will include grants for short-term or stand-alone youth projects, as well as longer-term projects, international co-operation projects, operational support to youth organisations and networks, as well as to youth initiatives that address emerging and relevant issues affecting young people at the European level, while also incorporating a local dimension.
Process of calls for proposals
The Foundation will operate with calls for proposals, with comprehensive guidance, key deadlines and submission requirements clearly set out. Application and reporting forms will be revised to ensure concision and relevance of information.
Registration of applicants
The Foundation will introduce a system of confirmation of registrations of organisations, to ensure that the registered NGOs with the EYF follow the agreed criteria.
Financial requirements
Major changes were introduced. The co-funding required for the grantee organisations will be present only as a principle. A combination of lump sums and real costs will be introduced. An equal access fund for disability compensation will also be introduced.
This important milestone is the culmination of the reform process that was initiated in spring 2022 and included several consultations with member States and civil society, studies on donor practices and new forms of engagement of young people, and a consultation meeting in 2024.
By adopting these new Operational Regulations, the European Youth Foundation is striving to nurture trust-based relations with its stakeholders, support the independence of youth organisations, their autonomy of action and voluntary nature of youth activities at the European level while ensuring adaptability to economic and social change, and remaining responsive to the developmental needs of international youth organisations and networks.
Check out the new Regulations. Further guidance to youth organisations will be made available in the coming period.