Availability of the Youth Report 2009

There are 96 million young people aged 15-29 in the European Union, constituting almost 20 % of the total population. Due to this importance of the youth, the Commission of the European Communities established the so-called Youth Report. This report is a compilation of data, statistics and brief analyses on the situation of young people in Europe. It provides an overview of the situation in the EU Member States in a range of different areas and outlines the differences between countries.

The Report is available online at:
http://ec.europa. eu/youth/ news/doc/ new_strategy/ youth_report_ final.pdf

I live, I vote!

The Italian association Forum Nazionale dei Giovani came up with the idea of a "pro-vote" project due to the necessity of young people to take an active part in the elections for the European Parliament between 4th and 7th of June 2009. In the past, a high absence of potential voters has been registered, thus this project should again increase numbers of participating young people.
Different parties are included in this project, such as the youth, civil associations and also institutions which want to achieve a captivating action and at the same time enrich the topics and capacities of communicating and discussing with young citizens about the idea of a new Europe.

Further information in Italian is available on http://www.iovoto20 09.eu/

European Selections 2009

Twenty-seven countries, one election!
Between the 4th and 7th of June, 375 million people from 27 countries will vote for 1 unified parliament!
Do not miss your chance to vote in the European Elections 2009!
To find out when and for whom it is possible to vote in June click on:
http://www.europarl .europa.eu/ elections2009/ countries/ default.htm? language= EN

Commissioner launches EuroMed News on 16 April 2009

The European Commissioner for External Relations has launched the EuroMed News project. This project aims to broaden knowledge about the EU's policies in the region and the relationship between the EU and individual Mediterranean countries.
EuroMed-News brings together broadcasters in Europe and in Algeria, Jordan, Libya, Syria, Morocco and Lebanon. Together, they will produce 300 news features, 40 short current affairs programmes and nine 26-minute documentaries about North African society and the economy.

Some topics that will be covered are:
- Young people and employment assistance schemes
- Rural women and the elimination of illiteracy
- Schemes to help young people set up companies
- EU strategy for development of Euro-Mediterranean cultural heritage

EuroMed-News is funded under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) through EuropeAid's regional information and communication programme. For more information refer to http://www.euromedi nfo.eu/site. 168.news. en.5599.html

Overview of SALTO Youth EuroMed Resource Centre 2009 activities

The EU-funded SALTO-Youth Euromed Resource Centre has already announced a great number of 2009 activities - a complete list can be found on http://www.salto- youth.net/ tceuromed2009/ The activities are open for participation and their focus/ topics range from intercultural dialogue, education, democracy, training and workshops, youth programmes and networking.

Next Series of European Citizenship Training Courses

Due to the success of the six training courses which took place from September 2008 to May 2009, a
new series of EC TCs (training courses) will be organised in 2009-2010:

• EC TC Slovenia from 23-29 November 2009;
• EC TC Czech Republic from 22-28 March 2010;
• EC TC France from 12-18 April 2010;
• EC TC UK from 14-20 June 2010.

Please visit the following website for more information:
http://youth- partnership. coe.int/youth- partnership/ training/ EC_2009-2010

EVS - European Voluntary Service

Partners' search for Multilateral projects Afsai is looking for non European partners for future collaboration within EVS programme. We ask all organizations, interested in establishing fruitful partnership with us on the theme of social inclusion and intercultural dialogue. Is required a previous experience within the EVS programme.
For further information please send CV of your organization to the following address: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Youth Ministers met to evaluate their past cooperation and discuss future Youth strategy

During its meeting of 11th May 2009, the Council adopted conclusions on the evaluation of the current framework for European cooperation in the youth field and future perspectives for the renewed framework.
Commissioner Figel presented to the Council the recently adopted Commission Communication on an EU strategy for Youth: Investing and Empowering. A public exchange of views on this topic was held and the Strategy was positively welcomed by the Member States.

In the conclusions the Council and the representatives of the governments decided to call on the Member States and the Commission to consider and discuss several actions in the youth field in respect of the overall framework and the instruments and tools, such as Open Method of Coordination, the European Youth Pact, a cross-sectoral approach and a structured dialogue.

AVSO VACANCY - Call for Director

AVSO, the Association of Voluntary Service Organisations, is looking for an acting Director to cover a maternity leave full time in its Brussels Secretariat, starting immediately.
The successful candidate will be responsible to manage the AVSO office and staff during the maternity leave of its current director, and report directly to the Board of Directors. A prolongation of the post is a possibility in the capacity of policy officer. The position is open ASAP and the duration is at least until February 2010.
The successful candidate will have a university degree in political science, economics, law or a related field, at least 5 years experience in international networks, European affairs and excellent knowledge of the EU institutions. He or she will be fluent in spoken and written English; other languages are an advantage. He or she will be a strong team player able to work effectively in a global network setting. Successful candidates will be required to take initiative and work independently.
The post will be offered under a Belgian contract.
A motivation letter and CV should reach AVSO no later than 5 June 2009 and be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Interviews will take place in the week of 15 June.

Ubuntu Conference: International Voluntary Service as a Tool for Development Education
25th of June 2009

In the framework of the Ubuntu International Youth Voluntary Service Award 2009, AVSO - the Association of Voluntary Service Organisations - is organising this conference which will take place in Brussels on the 25th of June 2009. The Conference is aimed at investigating how international voluntary service contributes to raising the awareness of development issues among young people and their environment. Experts in development and volunteering will be asked to discuss if and how volunteering is a tool for educating young people to development through the following core questions:
- What is the added value of hosting an international volunteer?
- How do the young volunteers change during the service?
- What do volunteers learn in terms of awareness of development issues?
- What are the real outcomes of international volunteering projects?
- Do the young volunteers become active citizens?
- What are the impacts of international volunteers on the hosting community?
The conference will take place at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. For further information about the conference and the application procedure, to download the agenda and to download the registration form please visit http://www.avso. org/

AVSO Seminar on Partnership Building: Calling Partners

AVSO is organising a seminar about sustainable partnerships in voluntary service, concentrating on partnerships between European Union and South East Europe country youth organisations. For more information and to download the Part III please visit http://www.avso. org/index/ index.htm