​2022 – European Year of Youth

The new year usually brings lots of change for us all, and the European Union is no exception. In recognition of all the challenges which have been faced over the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the EU has declared 2022 the European Year of Youth.

The European Year of Youth has four main objectives: highlighting how the green and digital transitions offer opportunities for young people; helping young people to become active and engaged citizens; promoting opportunities available to young people; bringing a youth perspective to the Union’s policies.

What will this mean for young people in Ballinasloe? Working together with other EU institutions, Member States, civil society organisations, and young people, the European Commission will organise a number of activities throughout the year at European, national, regional, and local levels. The scope of activities will cover issues that mostly affect young people, following the priorities highlighted in the Youth Goals, such as equality and inclusion, sustainability, mental health and well-being, and quality employment.

Programmes such as ErasmusPlus and the European Solidarity Corp will have increased funding available and will provide support for those who wish to volunteer, study, complete an apprenticeship, or undertake a work placement or find a job in another country.

The European Youth Portal has easy access information and an interactive map of activities happening across Europe as well as a specific European Year of Youth page. Closer to home you can follow Europe Direct Ballinasloe, based at Ballinasloe Public Library, on Twitter and Facebook (@EDBallinasloe) to keep up to date with what is happening. You can also email your queries to ballinasloe@galwaylibrary.ie or call 091-509551.
It’s a great year to be a young European!