European Forum of Young Leaders 2026

The European Young Leaders Forum is a cyclical initiative launched by the SALTO Resource Centre with the Eastern Europe and Caucasus countries, in cooperation with the Polish National Agency of the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Solidarity Corps. The Forum will serve as a platform for the exchange of experiences and for jointly seeking solutions in the area of active citizenship and youth participation in social life. Throughout the event, participants will have the chance to connect with civil society activists and opinion leaders from across Europe. 

The European Forum of Young Leaders is organized within the framework of the European Youth Week (EYW), which takes place every two years and is organized by the European Commission. It encourages young people to get involved in Europe’s activities and decisions. EYW helps young people talk with leaders, shares their opinions, and highlights their projects. EYW 2026 will take place between April 24 to May 1, 2026.  

Focusing on Solidarity and Fairness, and celebrating 30 years of volunteering in Europe, EYW 2026 will focus on promoting youth engagement, participation and active citizenship all over Europe and beyond. The Forum in Gdynia will be an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your activities and initiatives while contributing to the larger conversation surrounding Democracy & European values, with Solidarity and Fairness as the main focus.   

Goals of the European Forum of Young Leaders 

The European Forum of Young Leaders is a space where young leaders from across Europe come together to connect, reflect, and take action. This isn’t just another event — it’s a spark for real change.

At the forum, we focus on what truly matters: 

• Be the voice of your generation – Learn how to influence the decisions that shape our lives. We talk about democracy, equality, human rights, and the core values that unite Europe. It’s not just about voting – it’s about being heard;
• Facing challenges, building resilience – The world is changing fast and not always for the better. Here, we explore how to stay grounded in uncertain times, deal with pressure, and grow stronger — whether we’re talking about climate, conflict, or personal struggles; 
• Mental health matters – We talk openly about stress, burnout, and emotional well-being. Together, we share tools for self-care and supporting others. Because mental health isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity;
• Creating a community of young leaders – This forum is about building real, lasting connections. It’s a space to find your people – youth leaders who are active, passionate, and ready to team up for something bigger than themselves; 
• No sugarcoating – we face the tough stuff – Radicalization, exclusion, disinformation, greenwashing, youthwashing and loss of agency are real. Together, we name the problems and share real-life strategies that work across different countries and contexts; 
• Unlocking opportunities – Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, international projects – we explore how to use these tools to make an impact in your community and beyond. Let’s turn ideas into action;
• Learning from each other – From non-formal education to grassroots activism, we share what works. The goal? To inspire, collaborate, and build bridges between youth workers, organizations, and young changemakers across Europe. 

The Forum will create a space for active youth activists from Poland and other countries of the European Union, the Neighbours East, the Western Balkans, and Mediterranean countries, to exchange experiences, network, and engage in discussions on issues that are crucial to young people across Europe. 

Erasmus+ Poland 

European Solidarity Corps Poland