Erasmus accreditations serve as a valuable resource for organizations seeking to expand their operations to encompass international exchange and collaboration. These accreditations are specifically designed for entities intending to establish a consistent practice of facilitating learning mobility activities across borders. By obtaining the Erasmus Youth accreditation, organizations gain simplified access to funding opportunities offered through Key Action 1. This funding primarily supports learning mobility endeavors within the youth sector.
Our focus 2021-2023:
Objective 1: Addressing Rising Populism, Nationalism, and Extremism in Europe In recent years, Europe has witnessed a surge in populism, nationalism, and extremism. Populist parties have nearly doubled in number over the past two decades, garnering increased support from 8.5% to 24.1% on average. This phenomenon transcends political affiliations, as these parties tend to create an “us” versus “them” narrative. This trend affects various population segments, including young people susceptible to societal movements and tensions. Due to their limited historical experience, they are more prone to choose such parties and establish a habit of supporting them.
Objective 2: Encouraging Youth Participation in Politics Recent elections have shown a positive improvement in voter turnout, with the highest overall turnout since 1994, including increased participation among the younger generation. However, there is a general sense of discouragement and unwillingness among young people to be more politically active. In Slovakia, for example, a survey by the Council of Youth in 2017 revealed that 82% of respondents agreed that politicians are not interested in them. Similar sentiments are echoed in Hungary. The Millennial Dialogue Report indicated that only 6% of young Hungarians expressed a strong interest in politics, with 60% feeling that their generation is less politically engaged than previous ones.
Objective 3: Safeguarding European Democracies and Core Values European democracies and their fundamental values face daily threats, such as illiberalism, growing distrust in political institutions, and the rise of populist movements. The ongoing global pandemic has further highlighted the vulnerability of our societies and taught us valuable lessons in cooperation, sustainability, and independence. It has forced us to adapt to alternative work methods, embrace self-sufficiency, adopt new consumer habits, and avoid crowded places. This crisis has shed light on our preparedness and the potential future scenarios that may impact our daily lives. Additionally, it has emphasized the importance of sustainability and prompted us to explore new ways of living.