Young people who reside in 44 regions receiving funding from Just Transition Fund in 21 Member States will promote and raise awareness of green transition through these projects.
75 youth-led projects have been chosen for funding under the #EUTeens4Green initiative as a result of a call for projects launched last year within the framework of the European Year of Youth, with a total budget of more than €723,000, or roughly €10.000 per project.
Young people aged 15 to 24 who reside in 44 regions receiving funding from the Just Transition Fund in 21 Member States will promote and raise awareness of the green transition through these projects. Up until the spring of 2024, each project will be managed by teams of people or by youth organisations.
A wide range of initiatives will be supported, including contests and video games on environmentally friendly subjects, educational workshops and on-site visits to transitional communities, green activities like farming and gardening, and the development of circular economy solutions for the food, waste, and energy sectors.
The programme aims to increase youth participation in decision-making for an inclusive green transition and to empower them.
“I am very happy to see that the adventure is about to start for these young people, their group of friends, and their association,” said Elisa Ferreira, commissioner for cohesion and reforms.
They will infuse cities, towns, and schools with new life. We won’t ignore their enthusiasm; instead, we’ll encourage them to persevere in the face of challenges. We will take something away from their unforgettable journey in the end. An inclusive green transition is what we seek. The next generation will be crucial in getting us there.
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy issued a request for proposals in November 2021 to find a beneficiary to organise and manage a call for projects for teenagers, aged 15 to 24, who live in regions that meet the criteria to qualify for the Just Transition Fund.
One of the four flag initiatives created by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy in conjunction with the 2022 European Year of Youth is EUTeens4Green.
The project, “EUTeens4Green – A new generation of youth ambassadors for an inclusive green transition,” with a budget of almost €1 million, will be managed by a consortium made up of Startup Europe Regions Network, Youth and Environment Europe, CEE Bankwatch Network, and Generation Climate Europe.
The consortium’s call for applications received 197 submissions from 22 of the 27 member States (no applications were received from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Italy, or Sweden). 75 of the 164 of these who met the requirements (being between the ages of 15 and 24 and residing in or having established themselves in a Just Transition territory) have now been chosen.
The Consortium has informed candidates of the evaluation’s findings. The consortium will thoroughly explain to young people the requirements to receive financial support and will sign a participation agreement with them after the selected applicants have confirmed their participation in this initiative.
Adults will be listed as the legal guardians for minors. The agreement will be signed in early April 2023, at which point youth will receive a certificate designating them as EUteens4Green youth ambassadors and implementation will begin.