Call for Applications: Organisation of the Programme of the Eye Village

Deadline: 11-Jun-2026

The European Youth Event (EYE) 2027 is an initiative of the European Parliament that brings together young people from across Europe to discuss democracy, civic participation, culture, inclusion, and the future of the European Union.

The programme combines activities inside the European Parliament with outdoor activities in the EYE Village. These activities are co-created with youth organizations and civil society groups to ensure diverse participation and representation.

The EYE Village serves as a collaborative space where youth organizations, artists, activists, and participants engage through workshops, debates, performances, networking activities, and cultural experiences.

Funding Details

• Total available funding under the call: EUR 300,000
• Budget allocation for Action 1: EUR 235,000
• Project implementation period: September 2026 to October 2027

Main Objectives of the Call

The programme aims to strengthen:

• Youth engagement in European democracy
• Civic participation among young Europeans
• Youth leadership and empowerment
• Cultural exchange across EU Member States
• Participation of vulnerable groups and individuals with fewer opportunities
• Collaboration between youth organizations and civil society
• Awareness of European institutions and democratic processes
• European identity and inclusion

Key Focus Areas

Youth Engagement and Democratic Participation

The initiative encourages young people to:

• Engage directly with Members of the European Parliament and policymakers
• Share ideas about the future of Europe
• Participate in democratic dialogue
• Increase awareness of European democracy
• Build leadership and civic participation skills

Cultural Exchange and Music

The programme also focuses on:

• Supporting emerging artists from EU Member States
• Promoting music as a tool for European integration
• Encouraging cultural discovery and diversity
• Connecting local youth with international participants
• Strengthening intercultural collaboration through creative activities

Action 1: Coordination of the EYE Village Outdoor Programme

This action supports the coordination and co-organization of outdoor activities within the EYE Village through collaboration with youth organizations and civil society groups.

Expected outcomes include:

• Strengthening the European dimension of EYE 2027
• Encouraging youth-led participation and co-creation
• Increasing inclusion and accessibility
• Promoting cross-border cooperation
• Expanding participation among underrepresented groups

Examples of activities include:

• Youth workshops
• Civic engagement sessions
• Interactive debates
• Co-creation labs
• Networking events
• Inclusion-focused initiatives
• Community participation activities

Action 2: Music Programme Coordination

The second action focuses on designing and implementing a music and cultural programme during EYE 2027.

The initiative aims to:

• Bring together EYE participants and local youth
• Support emerging EU artists
• Promote cultural understanding
• Encourage artistic collaboration
• Raise awareness about the role of music in European integration

Examples of supported activities include:

• Live performances
• Youth concerts
• Cultural showcases
• Artistic collaborations
• Community engagement activities
• Cross-cultural creative events

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be legally registered in an EU Member State
• Operate as a non-profit organization
• Be established as a legal entity for at least three years
• Be a private legal entity
• Have no political affiliation
• Qualify as a pan-European umbrella youth or civil society organization

Additional eligibility conditions include:

• Only mono-beneficiary applications are eligible
• Consortium applications are not allowed
• Affiliated entities may participate if legally linked to the applicant organization and compliant with eligibility rules

Who is Not Eligible?

Organizations may be considered ineligible if they:

• Have political affiliations
• Are not legally registered in an EU Member State
• Have existed for less than three years
• Submit consortium-based applications
• Fail to demonstrate pan-European relevance

Why This Programme Matters

The EYE 2027 programme is important because it creates direct opportunities for young people to interact with European institutions and policymakers while promoting democratic participation and civic awareness.

The initiative also helps:

• Strengthen youth voices in Europe
• Encourage inclusive participation
• Support cultural diversity and artistic expression
• Build leadership among young Europeans
• Foster European identity and cross-border cooperation

Special attention is given to vulnerable groups and individuals with fewer opportunities to ensure broader inclusion and accessibility.

How the EYE Village Programme Works

The programme operates through several stages:

1. The European Parliament selects an eligible coordinating organization through a competitive proposal process.
2. The selected organization collaborates with youth organizations and civil society groups to co-create activities and programme content.
3. The organization develops activity schedules, outreach strategies, inclusion measures, and artist participation plans.
4. Activities are implemented during EYE 2027 through indoor and outdoor programme formats.
5. The coordinating organization submits reports and evaluates programme impact after implementation.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review the Call Guidelines

Applicants should carefully examine:

• Eligibility requirements
• Funding conditions
• Evaluation criteria
• Project objectives
• Reporting obligations

Step 2: Prepare Organizational Documents

Required documents may include:

• Legal registration certificates
• Non-profit status documentation
• Organizational profiles
• Financial records
• Previous project experience

Step 3: Develop a Strong Proposal

Applications should clearly explain:

• Programme objectives
• Youth engagement strategies
• Inclusion and accessibility measures
• Planned activities
• Expected outcomes
• Budget allocation
• Impact measurement methods

Step 4: Demonstrate European Reach

Applicants should highlight:

• Cross-border activities
• European partnerships
• International youth engagement experience
• Multicultural participation strategies

Step 5: Submit the Application

Ensure all forms and supporting documents are completed accurately before the deadline.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

• Relevance to EYE 2027 objectives
• Quality of programme design
• Inclusion and diversity strategies
• Experience in youth engagement
• Operational and financial capacity
• European outreach and impact
• Ability to manage large-scale events

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Weak inclusion and accessibility strategies
• Limited European or cross-border relevance
• Unclear programme structures
• Poorly planned budgets
• Insufficient youth participation in programme design
• Lack of measurable outcomes and impact indicators

Tips for a Strong Application

Organizations can strengthen their proposals by:

• Prioritizing youth co-creation and participation
• Demonstrating strong inclusion measures
• Highlighting European impact and collaboration
• Providing realistic and transparent budgets
• Using measurable indicators such as participant numbers, diversity metrics, and engagement levels

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the European Youth Event (EYE)?

The European Youth Event is a European Parliament initiative that brings together young people from across Europe to discuss democracy, culture, civic participation, and the future of Europe.

How much funding is available?

The total funding available under the call is EUR 300,000, including EUR 235,000 allocated to Action 1.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are non-profit pan-European youth or civil society organizations legally registered in an EU Member State for at least three years.

Are consortium applications allowed?

No. Only mono-beneficiary applications are eligible under this call.

What activities are supported?

The call supports youth engagement activities, outdoor EYE Village programmes, music and cultural events, civic participation initiatives, workshops, debates, and creative collaborations.

What is the project implementation period?

Selected projects will be implemented between September 2026 and October 2027.

Why is the music programme important?

The music programme promotes cultural exchange, supports emerging artists, and strengthens European integration through creative and artistic collaboration.

Conclusion

The European Parliament’s EYE 2027 call for proposals provides an important opportunity for pan-European youth and civil society organizations to contribute to youth engagement, democratic participation, and cultural exchange across Europe.

Through outdoor activities, civic dialogue, music programmes, and inclusive participation strategies, the initiative aims to strengthen European identity, empower young people, and increase collaboration between youth organizations and European institutions.

For more information, visit European Commission.