European Youth Forum: Applications to be the European Youth Capital 2025 are now open!
Do you think your city has what it takes?
Each year, one European city is given the opportunity to showcase its innovative ideas, projects and activities that contribute to the involvement of young people in all aspects of city life.
The European Youth Capital title will be awarded for the 17th time for 2025, having first been awarded to Rotterdam in 2009, and last to Ghent, as the European Youth Capital 2024.
Why should a municipality apply to be the next European Youth Capital?
Young people must have an equal opportunity to shape the social, economic and political life in their community. They bring fresh ideas, they rejuvenate local democracy, and their contributions benefit all of the city’s residents. The European Youth Capital project supports both young people and the city to open up these possibilities and lead the way for other European municipalities to follow.
Around the year of the European Youth Capital, the winning city engages young people and celebrates their contributions to urban life. The title allows the city to showcase its commitments and engage residents in inclusive co-creation. It leads to stronger support for youth and their rights, and it improves connection with other European cities which prioritise their young residents.
The application process itself is also an opportunity for municipalities and youth organisations to work together, discuss youth priorities, and receive feedback from an expert group on their proposals.
How to participate?
To participate in the competition to become the European Youth Capital of 2025, cities must submit an application together with a local youth organisation, outlining their past performance in the youth field, their motivation, and an initial plan for the year.
Up to five short-listed candidates will be selected by an expert Jury that will provide feedback and recommendations as to how they can improve their applications, before a final winner is chosen and announced at the European Youth Capital Award Ceremony in November 2022.
Application Documents
- Call for Application
- 2025 first round application questionnaire
- 2025 first round application form
- Legal terms and conditions
- DRAFT Cooperation agreement
- 2025 selection process timeline
- European Youth Capital policy toolkit
Want to know more?
Check out what it means to hold the title and the positive impact it can bring to your city: “European Youth Capital: ten years of boosting vibrant youthful cities”.
