STEP Training in Rouen, France
In a significant gathering for youth participation initiatives across Europe, 35 Erasmus+ National Agencies from 22 countries gathered in Rouen, France for the 2025 Staff Training Enhancing Participation (STEP) focused on KA154 youth activities. The training, which took place from 27 to 31 January 2025, was organized by the Agence Erasmus+ France Jeunesse & Sport / Civil Service Agency, with support from SALTO Participation & Information and the European Commission.
The five-day training brought together National Agencies’ representatives, guided by a Steering Committee comprising KA154 officers from French, Finnish, and German National Agencies. This collaborative environment facilitated valuable exchanges of best practices and lessons learned, while participants worked together to develop enhanced tools and support systems for youth participation projects.
Key objectives of the training included strengthening cooperation between European Erasmus+ agencies, developing shared resources for project partners, and strategizing about the future direction of Youth Participation Activities within the Erasmus+ framework. Participants engaged in sessions analyzing comparative statistical data on KA154, examining various aspects such as beneficiary profiles, thematic focuses, and the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.
The training sparked rich discussions about diverse forms of youth participation and how young people choose to engage in democratic processes. Participants shared insights from their national contexts and explored strategies to make the Action more accessible for informal groups, people with limited opportunities, and newcomers to the program.
These discussions complemented dedicated sessions on program achievements since its inception, with particular attention to successes in engaging decision-makers and promoting youth-led initiatives. Peer-to-peer learning and community building activities formed an integral part of the event, fostering stronger connections between participating agencies.
The gathering in Rouen marks another important step in strengthening European youth participation initiatives, ensuring their continued evolution to meet the changing needs of today’s youth. Since 2021, 2,106 projects have been funded, engaging more than 420,000 young people across Europe and reflecting a strong commitment to making democratic participation more inclusive and accessible to all young Europeans.