Latvian and Lithuanian partners already participating in our Programme’s employment and labour mobility priority are kindly invited to apply for European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants Fund for youth employment (EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment) competition promoting youth employment. Participants are invited to submit international partnership project ideas by August 1, 2017. The competition is administered by Ecorys Polska/ JCP Poland.

The goal of the project is to fund innovative solutions for youth employment.

EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment is created to support international project initiatives that promote sustainable and quality employment for young people. Focus on international cooperation reflects the belief that youth unemployment in Europe is a common challenge. Therefore, it is necessary to look for common solutions.

At least two partners from different countries are expected for implementation of the project. Various types of public and private organizations, including municipalities, regions and national authorities can apply.

The fund supports projects with participation of following countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Portugal.

Following activities are expected to be funded: sustainable job creation, development of skills to adapt to changes in the labor market (for example digital literacy), information campaigns for target groups, innovative support for new businesses, innovative solutions in order to engage in education/ become a disciple, experimental pedagogy, etc.

Funding is intended to complement the existing European Union (EU) funding for promoting youth employment. Ideas that can not be implemented within the framework of existing EU funding are welcomed. The competition is targeted at young people aged 15-29 years, with a special focus on the age group 25-29 years old. Particularly welcomed are applications with solutions for long-term unemployment of young people, for people who have given up hope of finding work, economically inactive women who care for their children or dependent adults, ethnic minorities, including Roma, asylum seekers, young people with low job skill levels, disabled or people with mental health issues.

60.61 million euro financing is available. Grant aid for one project is planned not less than 1 million euro. The maximum project amount is not fixed. Grant co-financing can cover no more than 85% of the eligible costs.

Additional information and tender documents: https://eeagrants.org/fundforyouthemployment