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CFPs: Capacity Building in the field of Youth in South Mediterranean Countries

Deadline: 26-Feb-2026

The EU’s Capacity Building in the Field of Youth program supports projects that enhance youth organisations, promote non-formal learning, and foster international cooperation. Grants up to €300,000 fund initiatives that improve youth work quality, inclusion, leadership, and employability while strengthening global partnerships.

Overview

The Capacity Building in the Field of Youth action supports international cooperation projects that strengthen youth organisations and use non-formal learning as a driver for sustainable socio-economic development and youth well-being. The initiative emphasizes inclusive participation, capacity building, and innovation in youth work.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The initiative targets the following key objectives:

  • Strengthening youth organisations outside formal education systems

  • Promoting inclusive non-formal learning for young people with fewer opportunities

  • Improving the quality and recognition of youth work

  • Supporting non-formal learning mobility and international exchanges

  • Contributing to the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027, European Youth Goals, Youth Action Plan in EU External Action, and the European Youth Work Agenda

  • Supporting the Pact for the Mediterranean and international cooperation between youth organisations

  • Encouraging participation of smaller and local organisations

  • Enhancing links with education systems and labour markets

  • Addressing themes such as political participation, inclusion, democracy, youth leadership, empowerment, employability, peace, reconciliation, environment, climate, anti-discrimination, gender equality, digital skills, AI, and entrepreneurship

Implementation and Partnerships

Projects are implemented through multilateral partnerships involving:

  • Youth organisations in EU Member States and Programme-associated countries

  • Organisations in eligible third countries, including Western Balkans, Neighbourhood East, Southern Mediterranean, and Sub-Saharan Africa

  • Partnerships aim to strengthen organisational capacity, governance, innovation, and international cooperation in the youth sector

Funding Information

  • Maximum EU Contribution: €300,000 per project

  • Project Duration: 12 to 36 months

  • Eligible Coordinators: NGOs, youth councils, and public bodies working in the youth sector

  • Partners: Other organisations may participate but cannot coordinate

  • Eligible Countries: Coordinators must be established in an EU Member State

Types of Activities Supported

Funded projects may include:

  • Policy dialogue and networking between youth organisations

  • Exchange of good practices in youth work

  • Development of new youth work methods, tools, and training schemes

  • Information and awareness activities targeting young people

  • Non-formal learning mobility projects

  • Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa contributing to the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, promoting youth mobility and active societal participation

How to Apply

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organisation is a legal entity (NGO, youth council, or public body) established in an EU Member State.

  2. Develop Multilateral Partnerships: Identify partners in eligible Programme-associated and third countries.

  3. Define Project Scope: Align activities with the focus areas, such as youth inclusion, mobility, leadership, digital skills, or international cooperation.

  4. Prepare Proposal: Include objectives, expected results, budget, timeline, and monitoring plans.

  5. Submit Application: Follow EU submission guidelines and deadlines.

  6. Evaluation: Projects are assessed based on relevance, quality, feasibility, partnerships, sustainability, and expected impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting applications from organisations not legally established in an EU Member State

  • Proposing projects outside non-formal learning or youth sector focus areas

  • Failing to include eligible international partners

  • Neglecting monitoring and evaluation plans or measurable outcomes

  • Excluding smaller or local organisations from participation

  • Omitting links to EU youth policies or strategies

FAQ: Capacity Building in the Field of Youth

1. Who can coordinate a project? NGOs, youth councils, or public bodies active in the youth sector.
2. Can other organisations participate as partners? Yes, but they cannot coordinate the project.
3. What is the maximum EU grant? €300,000 per project.
4. How long can projects last? 12 to 36 months.
5. Which regions are eligible for international partnerships? Western Balkans, Neighbourhood East, Southern Mediterranean, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
6. What activities are supported? Policy dialogue, training, youth mobility, awareness campaigns, new youth work methods, and Africa-Europe Youth Academy initiatives.
7. How is success measured? Through improved youth organisation capacity, increased youth participation, international cooperation, and the impact of non-formal learning activities.

Why It Matters

This initiative strengthens youth organisations, promotes non-formal learning, and fosters international collaboration, empowering young people to develop leadership, employability, and civic engagement skills. By supporting inclusive and innovative youth projects, it contributes to sustainable socio-economic development and global cooperation.

Conclusion

The EU Capacity Building in the Field of Youth program provides an opportunity for organisations to enhance youth work, promote inclusion, and strengthen international cooperation. By funding well-designed projects, the initiative helps youth organisations innovate, build capacity, and create meaningful impact for young people across Europe and partner regions.

For more information, visit European Commission.