European Youth Week 2026: celebrating solidarity, fairness and youth action across Europe

European Youth Week 2026 is set to take place from 24 April to 1 May 2026, bringing young people, institutions and organisations together to celebrate youth engagement, participation and active citizenship across Europe and beyond. This year’s edition is dedicated to “Solidarity and Fairness,” creating space for young voices, fresh ideas and meaningful dialogue on the future of Europe.

Youth Activities 2026

The week will begin with a large kick-off event at the European Parliament in Brussels on 24 April 2026, co-organised by the European Commission and the European Parliament. Around 1,000 young people are expected to take part in plenary sessions, breakout activities, networking opportunities and a marketplace of youth-focused initiatives, all designed to spotlight opportunities for young people and amplify their role in shaping European society.

Also you can find all registered youth events or register own under constantly updated database:

30 year Anniversary

European Youth Week is also a chance to celebrate the long-term impact of youth participation and volunteering. This edition will mark 30 years of volunteering in Europe with an exhibition dedicated to Europeans who have made a difference in society, while activities across many countries will invite young people to connect, participate and engage with topics that matter to them.

European Wilderness Society´s input

At the European Wilderness Society, we are proud to support youth engagement through the European Solidarity Corps and related volunteering pathways. Our volunteering opportunities give young people the chance to contribute to nature conservation, international teamwork and learning experiences connected to Europe’s Wilderness, while developing solidarity, practical skills and intercultural understanding. You can dive into volunteering with the European Wilderness Society via Wilderness Diary of our volunteers.

Youth Green Conferences

We are equally proud of our Youth Green Conference, which has now grown through three editions: 2019, 2022 and 2025. Through these Erasmus+ youth exchanges, young people from number of European countries have come together to discuss climate, biodiversity, sustainability and rural youth perspectives, turning international exchange into real environmental learning and cooperation.

And more

Beyond these programmes, the European Wilderness Society regularly opens further volunteering opportunities for young people interested in conservation, communication and project management. Through ESC, Erasmus+ and earlier IVY-linked experiences, young volunteers have supported a wide range of Wilderness and cooperation projects while gaining valuable personal and professional experience.

European Wilderness Society remains deeply committed to youth engagement, empowering young people to take an active role in building a more sustainable and resilient future,

Max Rossberg, Chairman of the European Wilderness Society