Implementation The European Commission The European Commission, which initiated the Program, is ultimately responsible for its smooth running. It manages the budget and sets priorities, targets and criteria for the Program on an ongoing basis.The Commission also bears overall responsibility for the coordination of the YOUTH program National Agencies, which are offices that have been designated and set up by the national authorities in charge of youth affairs in each Program country. The Commission cooperates closely with the National Agencies and oversees their activities, as well as guiding and monitoring the general implementation, image, follow-up and evaluation of the Program at European level.

The national authorities

The E. U Member States, as well as the other Program countries, are involved in the management of YOUTH, in particular through the Program Committee, to which they appoint representatives. They are also responsible for designating and monitoring the National Agencies (the latter task is shared with the European Commission).

The YOUTH program National Agencies

Their primary role is to promote and implement the Program at national level. They have experience with European programs for young people and are familiar with the relevant issues and organizations.
Each National Agency acts as a link between the European Commission, project promoters at national, regional and local level, and the young people themselves, and is a key contact point.

The Agencies are responsible for disseminating general information about the YOUTH program as well as encouraging and facilitating the establishing of partnerships. They are also responsible for the selection of projects according to the criteria set by the European Commission. They advise project promoters and organize different kinds of training activities. The National Agencies are the primary sources of information for the users of the Program.

The Euro-Med National Coordinators

For the Mediterranean partners participating in the YOUTH program via the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Action Program (1) , the Euro-Med National Coordinators fulfill a similar role to the National Agencies in Program countries. The Annex to this Guide contains a list of contact details for the European Commission, National Agencies and National Coordinators.

1.The Euro-Mediterranean Youth Action Program based on Decisions PE (98) 2153 and PE (00) 2627 of the European Commission in the framework of MEDA, established by Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 of 23 July 1996.