hellenic national youth council

EU Legislative Interests

1. EU Youth Strategy (2019–2027) • Framework: The EU Youth Strategy is the primary framework for youth policy cooperation in the EU for 2019–2027, based on the Council Resolution of 26 November 2018. • Key Priorities: The strategy is structured around three core areas: “Engage, Connect, Empower.” It aims to foster youth participation in democratic life, support social and civic engagement, and ensure that all young people have the resources to participate fully in society. • 11 European Youth Goals: Developed through dialogue with young people across Europe, these goals address cross-sectoral challenges such as education, employment, inclusion, mental health, and sustainability. H.N.Y.C. Actions: • Participates in the EU Youth Dialogue and related consultations. • Advocates for the implementation of the European Youth Goals at the national level. • Coordinates with member organizations to promote youth engagement in EU initiatives. 2. European Year of Youth 2022 • Legislative Initiative: The European Parliament and Council designated 2022 as the European Year of Youth, aiming to highlight the importance of youth in building a better, greener, more inclusive, and digital future. • Implementation: National coordinators, including youth councils, were tasked with ensuring active involvement of young people and youth organizations in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities. H.N.Y.C. Actions: • Served as a key stakeholder in national coordination. • Organized and promoted activities, workshops, and campaigns in line with the European Year of Youth objectives. • Facilitated youth participation in shaping the year’s agenda and outcomes. 3. Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps • Erasmus+: The flagship EU program for education, training, youth, and sport, supporting mobility, cooperation, and non-formal learning. • European Solidarity Corps: Provides opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects that benefit communities and people around Europe. H.N.Y.C. Actions: • Informs and supports member organizations and young people in accessing Erasmus+ and Solidarity Corps opportunities. • Advocates for increased funding and inclusivity in these programs, ensuring access for youth with fewer opportunities. 4. EU Youth Work Policies • Strategic Plan for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth (2022–2024): Developed in synergy with EU priorities, this plan addresses youth employment, lifelong learning, and social inclusion. • National Action Plan for Youth: In line with EU recommendations, Greece is adopting its first comprehensive National Action Plan for Youth, with H.N.Y.C. contributing as a representative stakeholder. H.N.Y.C. Actions: • Participates in policy consultations and working groups at both national and EU levels. • Advocates for cross-sectoral youth policies that address education, employment, and social inclusion. 5. Social Inclusion, Diversity, and Youth Rights • EU Anti-Discrimination and Inclusion Policies: H.N.Y.C. actively supports EU legislative proposals that promote equality, diversity, and the protection of youth rights. • Focus Areas: Gender equality, combating discrimination, supporting marginalized youth, and promoting mental health and well-being. H.N.Y.C. Actions: • Organizes campaigns and awareness-raising activities. • Provides policy input and recommendations to ensure Greek and EU policies address the real needs of young people. 6. Participation in European and International Networks • European Youth Forum: H.N.Y.C. is an active member, contributing to the development and advocacy of EU youth policies. • Other Networks: Mediterranean Youth Forum, International French-Speaking Youth Council, UN General Assembly, UNESCO Youth Council

Communication Activities

1. Events and Forums • National and European Youth Dialogues: H.N.Y.C. regularly organizes structured dialogues and consultation events, enabling Greek youth to voice their opinions on EU policies and contribute to the European Youth Goals. These forums often take place in partnership with EU institutions and national authorities, ensuring that young people’s perspectives are integrated into policy discussions. • Workshops and Seminars: The Council holds thematic workshops on topics such as active citizenship, EU opportunities (Erasmus+, Solidarity Corps), social inclusion, and youth rights. These events provide practical information and foster skills for youth participation in EU programs. • Participation in International Conferences: H.N.Y.C. delegates attend and contribute to international events like the European Youth Forum and Mediterranean Youth Forum, sharing best practices and advocating for Greek youth at the European level. 2. Awareness Campaigns • European Year of Youth 2022 Campaigns: H.N.Y.C. played a central role in coordinating and promoting activities during the European Year of Youth, including awareness-raising campaigns on sustainability, mental health, digital transformation, and youth participation. These campaigns used social media, public events, and collaborations with influencers to reach a wide audience. • #paintEU and Art Initiatives: Through campaigns like #paintEU, H.N.Y.C. encouraged young people to express their vision of Europe using art, murals, and creative installations. These initiatives aimed to strengthen European identity and highlight the values of inclusion and diversity. • Policy and Pints / Informal Dialogues: Informal gatherings such as “Policy and Pints” were organized to facilitate open discussions between youth and policymakers, making EU policy debates more accessible and engaging. 3. Publications and Information Dissemination • Newsletters and Bulletins: H.N.Y.C. publishes regular newsletters featuring updates on EU policy developments, upcoming opportunities, and highlights from recent events and campaigns. These publications are distributed to member organizations and the broader youth community. • Research Reports and Position Papers: The Council produces research studies and policy recommendations on issues such as youth employment, education, and social inclusion, aligning its advocacy with EU priorities. These documents are shared with policymakers and stakeholders at both national and European levels. • Online Resources: H.N.Y.C. maintains an active online presence, using its website and social media channels to disseminate information about EU programs, funding opportunities, and youth rights. 4. Collaborative Projects • EU Youth Dialogue Implementation: H.N.Y.C. coordinates the national implementation of the EU Youth Dialogue, collecting input from young people across Greece and feeding it into European consultations. This ensures that Greek youth contribute to shaping EU youth policy cycles. • Partnerships with Educational Institutions: The Council collaborates with universities and schools to organize educational programs and promote EU mobility opportunities, such as Erasmus+ exchanges and volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps. • Joint Actions with Civil Society: H.N.Y.C. partners with other NGOs and youth organizations for joint campaigns on anti-discrimination, gender equality, and mental health, amplifying the impact of EU policy communication. 5. Monitoring and Evaluation • Feedback Mechanisms: H.N.Y.C. collects feedback from participants in its events and campaigns, using surveys and focus groups to evaluate the effectiveness of its communication strategies and adapt future activities accordingly. • Reporting to EU Bodies: The Council regularly reports on its activities to EU institutions, contributing to the monitoring and assessment of the implementation of European youth policies in Greece.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members