New EU program for Armenian youth adopted

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Commission adopted a program to support cooperation with the Eastern Partnership countries in the field of youth.

Youth exchanges, raising awareness, voluntary activities, trainings and networking opportunities will be supported to strengthen skills of young people and capacities of youth organizations in the Eastern Partnership countries. In total, more than 1,400 projects will be financed involving about 21,000 young people and youth workers.

The Eastern Partnership Youth Window, under the EU Youth in Action Program, will provide funds to promote cooperation opportunities among young people, youth workers and organizations from the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries. A special attention will be put to support disadvantaged young people living in rural or poor urban areas.

“Young people are crucial for the harmonious development of inclusive societies and for successful future collaboration with our neighbors. For this reason we have approved this program, to support young people – particularly those with fewer opportunities – and their active participation in society", said Commissioner for Enlargement and the European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Füle.

The total budget of the program is €29 million for 2012-2013, out of which €14 million is dedicated for 2012 and €15 million for 2013. Funds available for 2012 will be committed this year, but projects will be implemented in 2013.