We contribute to the development of policies on youth and social affairs by transferring knowledge gained through practical experience and by giving the young people a voice which European decision-makers hear and pay attention to.
Thus we support a greater and more effective cooperation between different stakeholders such as public authorities and policymakers to implement the needed policies and reforms in the field of youth affairs.
We respond to European policy developments and inform decision-makers about our key concerns. Our members’ extensive field experience provides us with valuable knowledge and insight for pertinent policy recommendations.
Our priorities
Our advocacy priorities focus on vulnerable young people from five perspectives:
- Social inclusion, education and employment
- Participation and active citizenship
- Migration and diversity
- More and better mobility opportunities
- Youth work and non-formal learning
Our latest advocacy work
Delivering on a Social Europe - Position on the 2028-34 MFF (2025)
Ambitious and sustained investment is vital for Europe to reach its own competitiveness goals, equipping the next generation with the skills needed to drive Europe's economy, and providing the foundation for the EU to implement its ambitious policy agenda, including the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Youth Guarantee, the Union of Skills and the Anti-Poverty Strategy.
We urge the European Commission and Member States to safeguard and scale up investments in social programmes within the new MFF, ensuring that disadvantaged young people are placed at the heart of Europe’s social, economic, and democratic future.
European Social Cohesion in the Digital Era – Youth and Social Work Perspectives (2024)
This report seeks to highlight the perspectives of young participants, professionals and representatives of European institutions on the topic of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. With particular attention given to how we can ensure that digitalisation benefits everybody in our society equitably, and why it is so important that policymakers listen and involve young people and professionals in decision-making processes.
Navigating the digital transition: New Technologies in Youth and Social Work - Policy Paper (2024)
This policy paper focuses on the opportunities and risks of new technologies in youth and social work and provides insights from the experience of the YES Forum.
The first part of the policy paper provides general information on the EU's initiatives which are aimed at making Europe fit for its digital future. Two further sections elaborate on the opportunities, and critically address the risks stemming from the increased use of digital tools and AI in youth (social) work which affects vulnerable youth and youth professionals. Finally, we present recommendations for how policy makers, education institutions and social service providers can support and equip young people and professionals to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and effectively, mitigating potentials risks.
Social Cohesion in the Digital Transition - Policy Event 2024
The event, organised in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and BAG EJSA, delves into the pivotal role of (young) citizens in shaping this transition and ensuring the well-being of all members of society within the framework of building a fairer and more inclusive European Union.
I Vote for EU - collaborative campaign on the European elections 2024
With the #IVoteForEU collaborative campaign, together with our members, we seek to encourage young people to mobilise their peers to take a step forward and actively participate in the elections and cast their vote.
Open letter #EUCivilDialogueNow (2024)
The YES Forum has joined the European Economic and Social Committee's Civil Society Organisations' Group and Civil Society Europe (CSE) in their call to European institutions to take concrete measures to create an open, transparent and regular dialogue with civil society.
