Over the past 4 months, YMCA has significantly advanced its position as a leading voice for youth rights across Europe, ensuring that young people’s wellbeing is central to governance and policymaking.
Through a tailored approach, balancing high-level advocacy, strategic engagement, and profile building, our organization is an emerging powerhouse in shaping the European approach to youth policy.
Our most recent advocacy efforts have led us to engage with more than 70 other youth organisations and key partners from the youth sector, actively participate in more than 10 high-level policy discussions, engage with more than 20 strategic stakeholders, and now, to pilot the YMCA Europe Needs Assessment Framework in 18 countries.
Key Milestones
1. Strengthening Influence at the Council of Europe
The election of Dragoș Tarța to the Advisory Council on Youth (2026–2027) secures YMCA Europe a pivotal platform to shape continental youth policy. This influential body guides the youth agenda of 46 member states, enabling YMCA Europe to promote democratic participation, social cohesion, and youth rights at the highest institutional level. Learn more
2. Shaping Europe’s Intergenerational Fairness Agenda
YMCA Europe actively contributes to the European Commission’s forthcoming Intergenerational Fairness Strategy, positioning itself as a trusted interlocutor for long-term equity between generations. Regular dialogue with Commissioner Glenn Micallef and consistent participation in consultation sessions underscore YMCA Europe’s growing strategic credibility within EU policy circles. Learn more
3. Championing Policy for Youth Work Recognition
Our contribution to the 4th European Youth Work Convention in Malta influences the priorities for the upcoming Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, ensuring that youth work remains at the core of governmental policy. As a movement with more than 180 years of experience in youth development, YMCA Europe continues to bridge practice and policy, transforming field experience into policy impact. Learn more
4. Grounding Youth Voice in Data and Practice
The Community Solutions Hub (Brussels) introduced the Needs Assessment Framework (NAF), a data-driven model ensuring youth-led advocacy reflects real community needs.
This initiative followed Know Your Say! (Berlin, 2023) and Beyond Borders, Building Change (Salduero, 2024), bringing together 30 young advocates from 17 National Movements. Strategic visits to the European Commission and Microsoft highlighted YMCA Europe’s capacity to bridge civic and private sectors, setting a benchmark for cross-sector collaboration. Learn more
5. Strengthening Alliances through the European Youth Forum
Active participation in the European Youth Forum General Assembly reinforced partnerships across 70+ youth organisations, addressing shared priorities such as Erasmus+, civic space protection, and mental health. Learn more
Impact Statement
YMCA is now a recognised and trusted voice in European youth policy. Through structured advocacy, strategic alliances, and youth-led evidence frameworks, we’re shaping a more inclusive, just, and intergenerationally fair Europe.
Focus Areas 2025–2026
- Scaling the Needs Assessment Framework to 25+ countries
- Strengthening youth representation in European institutions
- Expanding partnerships with civic, private, and policy actors
- Ensuring every YMCA voice contributes to Europe’s youth agenda
Learn more about other YMCA Europe advocacy initiatives and stories of impact here.
