Action 3.1 - Cooperation with the neighbouring countries of the European Union

This Action supports projects with the Partner Countries that are considered neighbouring countries under the provision of the European Neighbourhood Policy.

Objectives:

The purpose of this sub-Action is to develop mutual understanding between peoples in a spirit of openness, while also contributing to the development of quality systems that support the activities of young people in the countries concerned. It supports activities designed to network and enhance the capacity of NGOs in the youth field, recognising the important role that they can play in the development of civil society in the neighbouring countries.

The sub-Action supports two types of projects, described in two different sections:

• youth Exchanges with Neighbouring Partner Countries
• training and Networking with Neighbouring Partner Countries.

What is a Youth Exchange with Neighbouring Partner Countries?

A Youth Exchange with Neighbouring Partner Countries is a project which brings together groups of young people from two or more countries, providing them with an opportunity to discuss and confront various themes, while learning about each other's countries and cultures.

According to the number of countries involved, a Youth Exchange can be bilateral, trilateral or multilateral.

Aims of co-operation with Neighbouring Countries:

• enhance intercultural dialogue, mutual understanging and tolerance among young people;
• contribute to strenghtening democracy and civil society;
• promote active participation of young people.

Who can participate?

• informal groups of young people;
• youth organisations;
• youth clubs;
• non-profit organisations;
• youth workers, youth leaders.

Eligible type of activities:

• based on the same pattern as the Youth Exchange foreseen under Action 1.1, with some particularites;
• based on the same pattern as the Training and Networking Projects foreseen under Action 4.3, with some particularities.

What has changed in the rules of Action 3.1 in 2012?

Age of participants (for YOUTH EXCHANGE ONLY):

• the minimum age - 13 years (completed in the project's start date)
• the upper age limit - 25 years (not completed 26 for submission of application)

Second Budget (there was a change of rates and budget categories): for projects taking place in the Programme Countries and Neighbouring Partner Countries

Cost of the project - a new category covering all costs directly related to the project, e.x., the costs of preparatory activities, food, accommodation, facilities, equipment and materials, insurance, assessments and actions following the project.

These cost are calculated on the basis of the rate:

YOUTH EXCHANGE:

• 32 - 40 Euro * number of participants * number of nights, when the project is being implemented in a Programme Country;
• 29 Euro * number of participants * number of nights, when the project is implemented in a Neighbouring Partner Country, including Eastern Europe nad Caucasus.

More information and details regarding Action 3.1, examples of a Youth Exchange with Neighbouring Partner Countries are available at the link below (p. 75):

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/programme/programme_guide_en.php