The main aim of Action 5 of the Youth in Action programme is to promote European co-operation in the youth field. In this way, the Programme offers concrete support to youth policy development at European level. The general objectives include: encouraging the exchange of good practice between policy-makers and young people; supporting structured dialogue between young people and policy-makers; fostering a better knowledge and understanding of youth and promoting co-operation with international organisations active in the youth field.

Three sub-actions have been created to achieve these goals.

http://ec.europa.eu/youth/youth-in-action-programme/doc94_en.htm

National and transnational youth seminars

Firstly, co-funding grants can be given to the setting up of meetings between young people and those responsible for youth policy.

Targeted at young people aged 15-30, these meetings can take place either at national or transnational level. They should aim at promoting the exchange of good practice and ideas in relation to important topics in the field of European youth policy or the priority themes of the Youth in Action programme and structured dialogue. Additionally, national youth seminars may consist of gatherings at local, regional and national level in preparation for the youth presidency events in the Member State holding the EU’s rotating presidency.

Both types of seminars need to be dynamic, non-formal learning experiences. They should contribute to young people's education, as well as to their knowledge and awareness of the European and international context within which they live.

Improving knowledge and understanding of youth

This aims to improve the knowledge and understanding of youth in relation to the priorities established in the youth field under the Open Method of Coordination. It will support the development of studies and networks in order to gain greater understanding of the reality and needs of young people.

Co-operation with international organisations

The Commission works closely with the Council of Europe and the two institutions have established a partnership agreement in order to develop a framework for co-operation in the youth field. Within this partnership a large variety of joint activities are implemented, including training, conferences, workshops, seminars, as well as the management of the European Knowledge Centre for Youth Policy, a research database for youth policy across Europe.

A Partnership between the Commission and the United Nations Volunteers is also being strengthened in order to increase cooperation in the field of volunteering.