Objectives & Priorities The Programmed offers young people opportunities for mobility and active participation in the construction of the Europe of the third millennium. It aims to contribute to the achievement of a "Europe of knowledge" and create a European arena for cooperation in the development of youth policy, based on non-formal education. It encourages the concept of lifelong learning and the development of skills and competencies which promote active citizenship. The Programmed strives to achieve and maintain a balance between personal development and collective activity across all sectors of society while pursuing the following objectives:

Promoting a better understanding of the diversity of our common European culture and shared heritage as well as of our common basic values.  Helping to eliminate all forms of discrimination and promoting equality at all levels of society.  Introducing a European element into projects which will have a positive impact on youth work at local level.

Facilitating the integration of young people into society at large and encouraging their spirit of initiative.  Helping young people acquire knowledge, skills and competencies, and recognizing the value of such experience.  Allowing young people to give free expression to their sense of solidarity in Europe and the wider world, as well as supporting the fight against racism and xenophobia.

A key priority for the European Commission is to give young people with less opportunities (from a less-privileged cultural, geographical or socio-economic background, or with disabilities) access to the mobility and non-formal education activities developed within the YOUTH programmed. In close cooperation with the National Agencies for the YOUTH programmed, the European Commission has established a strategy for the inclusion of young people with less opportunities into YOUTH. Please contact your National Agency or the European Commission for further detailed information on the inclusion strategy.

In addition to these general objectives and priorities, the European Commission and National Agencies draw up specific priorities each year. Moreover, individual Program countries may identify national priorities which fully respect the above mentioned priorities, e.g. geographical balance within the country and area of activity. Further information on these annual and national priorities may be found on the Commission's and other websites