Erasmus+ Forum "Empower Youth Forum 2.0" in Sweden (Fully Funded)

An open call for 25 youth workers and youth leaders from across Europe to join the Erasmus+ forum "Empower Youth Forum 2.0: Bringing Change to Communities," which takes place from 23-27 March 2026. The forum brings together youth workers from across Europe to exchange best practices, explore the Swedish context of youth work, and strengthen inclusive engagement through innovation, collaboration, and impact. This Erasmus project is organised by "PAPATAC" and funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

About the forum 

The Empower Youth Forum is a training course aimed at youth workers, educators, and professionals involved in non-formal education and youth work across Europe. Taking place in the Swedish cities of Sandviken and Gävle, the forum gathers 25 participants from different European countries to explore, share, and further develop inclusive and community-oriented approaches to youth engagement.

Participants will take part in an interactive, hands-on programme that includes workshops, networking activities, study visits, and joint reflection sessions. Through exposure to the Swedish youth work context, participants will gain valuable insights into how well-structured support systems and value-based approaches contribute to the well-being and development of young people.

The EmpowerYouth Forum 2.0 builds on the success of the first edition, The EmpowerYouth Forum, held from 10–14 November 2025. The initial forum received very positive feedback, with participants praising the high-quality programme, inspiring learning atmosphere, and strong opportunities for networking and professional development. Further details and participant testimonials from the first edition are available in the attached information pack, which can be downloaded from this page.

Eligibility | Who can apply?

- Youth workers and trainers active in non-formal learning from one of the following countries ( Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye)

- Staff and volunteers of youth organisations, activity centres, and NGOs are welcome as well to apply.

- Applicants must be above 18 years of age and must be able to communicate effectively in English.

- Applicants should have experience in youth work and be interested in transnational cooperation and developing long-term strategies to improve youth participation in their local contexts.

Expenses and Benefits

- There is no participation or registration fee for this training activity

- Housing and breakfast have been arranged for all participants within walking distance of the training venue. You will check in on Sunday evening, 22 March, and stay in a shared, gender-based room with 1-4 other forum participants. Bed linen and towels will be provided.

- Travel costs are covered based on the distance between the participant's place of origin and the activity venue, according to the Erasmus+ distance band calculator as follows:

• from 10–99 km - €28  (standard travel) - €56 (green travel)
• from 100–499 km - €211 (standard travel)  - €285 (green travel)
• from 500–1,999 km - €309 (standard travel) - €417 (green travel)
• from 2,000–2,999 km - €395 (standard travel) - €535 (green travel)
• from 3,000–3,999 km - €580 (standard travel) - €785 (green travel)
• from 4,000–7,999 km - €1,188 (standard travel) - €1,188 (green travel)

- Participants are entitled to receive a Youthpass certificate from the organiser for recognition of their competence development during the activity. 

Timeline

Application deadline: 15 February 2026

Date of Selection: 23 February 2026

Arrival day: 22 March 2026

Activity days: 23-27 March 2026

Departure day: 28 March 2026

How to apply?

If you are interested in attending the Empower Youth Forum 2.0, please submit your application by February 15, 2026, using this link.

More details

For more information about the Empower Youth Forum 2.0, please check the info-pack and the project webpage on the SALTO-Youth website from Here

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