The main objectives of the Year are to:

promote intercultural dialogue and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between European and Chinese youth,
encourage young people to care about and support the development of EU-China relations,
achieve extensive and positive impact and help ensure that cooperation between policy makers as well as between youth organizations is sustainable beyond 2011.

What support is available?

The EU Youth in Action Programme is the main source of potential support on the EU side for concrete joint youth projects aimed at developing partnerships, networks, voluntary projects, youth exchanges among youth organisations from the EU and their counterparts in China.

Projects promoting cooperation with China can be supported in the framework of two actions of the Youth in Action Programme:

Action 3.2 "Youth in the World – cooperation with countries other than the Neighbouring Countries of the EU". The aim is to promote the exchange of experience and good practice in the field of youth and non-formal education, as well as to develop lasting partnerships and networks between youth organisations from across the globe. More information
Action 2, the European Voluntary Service - offers opportunities to carry out voluntary service for up to 12 months in another country in Europe or in the world. It is a true learning service for the volunteers and it benefits local communities. More information
How can I be involved in the Year?

The joint action plan for the Year of Youth underlines the importance of a strong mobilisation of young people, youth organisations and other actors active in the youth field at all levels for a wider impact of the Year of Youth. « less