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Call for Applications

2017

DEADLINE: 20th February 2014 (23:59 CET1) www.europeanyouthcapital.org

1 CET – Central European Time 2 More information on the selection jury can be obtained upon request from the YFJ Secretariat. 705-13

The ‘European Youth Capital’ (EYC) is a title granted by the to a European city for a period of one year, during which it is given the chance to showcase its youth-related cultural, social, political and economic life and development. The EYC initiative encourages the implementation of new ideas and innovative projects with regards to the active participation of young people in society and seeks to present a role model for the further development of other European municipalities.

The EYC aims at strengthening the relationship between the local level and the European institutions, giving attention to youth participation at the local level as well as the European level. Together with institutional partners and other relevant stakeholders, the EYC aims to empower youth on all levels and encourage them to be more proactive actors in shaping and developing their societies.

The ‘European Youth Capital’ title gives European cities the opportunity to present a multi- faceted youth-focused programme, which highlights in their city the wealth, diversity and common characteristics of ’s intergenerational approach and the empowerment of young people throughout the continent.

The first European Youth Capital was (the ). The European Youth Forum (YFJ) has awarded the EYC 2010 title to Torino (), EYC 2011 to (), EYC 2012 to (), EYC 2013 (), EYC 2014 (), EYC 2015 Cjuj Napoca () and 2016 Ganja ().

APPLICATION TIMELINE

The EYC 2017 call was launched on 11 December 2013.

1st APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUBMISSION OF CONCEPT NOTES DEADLINE: Candidates are invited to provide a short concept note (please see the concept note form attached to this call) by the first application deadline on 20th February 2014 (23:59 CET), applications received after this date will not be considered.

FEE: The application fee is 300 EUR, to be transferred and paid before the deadline to the European Youth Forum bank account as mentioned in Annex I of this call.

APPLICATION: The completed concept note form and requested annexes should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] (PDF format; English language only; subject required: “Concept Note EYC 2017_city name”. Original [hard-copy] documents may be requested later in the selection process, where necessary.

ANNOUNCEMENT: After scrutiny of applications by the jury, 5 short-listed candidates will be selected and published on the European Youth Forum's website on 11th April 2014. At this point, the shortlised candidates will receive the full application form for the second application deadline.

2nd APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUBMISSION OF COMPLETE APPLICATION FORM DEADLINE: The 5 short-listed candidate cities will be requested to submit the full application form by the 2nd application deadline 5th June 2014 (23:59 CET), applications received after this date will not be considered.

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FEE: The application fee for the second round is 700 EUR, to be transferred and paid before the deadline to the European Youth Forum bank account as mentioned in Annex I of this call.

APPLICATION: The completed full application form and requested annexes should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] (PDF format; English language only; subject required: “Application EYC 2017_city name”. Original [hard-copy] documents may be requested later in the selection process, where necessary.

ANNOUNCEMENT: All shortlisted candidates will receive recommendations for improvement of their applications, from the jury and a Youth Focus Group by 7th August 2014. Also on this date, 3 candidates, chosen by the jury, will be invited to submit applications for the 3rd application deadline.

3rd APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUBMISSION OF UPDATED FULL APPLICATION FORM DEADLINE: The 3 short-listed candidate cities have the possibility to improve their applications, following the given recommendations, by the third and final application deadline of 14th October 2014 (23:59 CET), applications received after this date will not be considered.

FEE: There is no fee applicable for this round.

APPICATION: The completed full application form and annexes should be sent by e-mail to [email protected] (PDF format; English language only; subject required: “Improved application EYC 2017_city name”. Original [hard-copy] documents may be requested later in the selection process, where necessary. Applicants are also requested to provide a decision by the city council supporting the EYC application by this third application deadline.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The winning city for European Youth Capital 2017 will be announced during the European Youth Forum General Assembly at the end of November 2014.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

Assessment of applications and the final selection of European Youth Capital 2017 will be made by a jury comprised of institutional and civil society youth policy experts, representatives from the private sector, media, and local and regional authorities.

Additionally a focus group, composed of youth representatives, will meet after the second deadline and will develop recommendations for improvement of the applications.

Should you have any questions relating to the application and selection processes, please contact David Garrahy at the European Youth Forum Secretariat: [email protected] Additionally please visit the European Youth Capital website for more information www.europeanyouthcapital.org.

Please note that in order to ensure a transparent and fair process the Youth Forum neither (a) reviews application before the application deadline nor (b) agrees to attend meetings with candidates/potential candidates. 705-13

EXPLANATORY NOTE

1. How does a city become a European Youth Capital?

The title ‘European Youth Capital’ (EYC) is awarded only when a European municipality distinguishes itself in a positive way and has an ambitious programme for empowering youth. The title is bestowed by a joint selection jury of European Civil Society organisations and institutional partners2.

2. Why should a city apply to become the next European Youth Capital?

Without doubt, there are a number of benefits for municipalities that consider applying for selection as a European Youth Capital. - Europe-wide: the EYC programme offers the chance to showcase cultural and professional youth issues. Public recognition is fostered by media and press coverage, which will also increase the reputation and popularity of the city in, for example, the tourist dimension. - The regional impact will be visible in many respects: the EYC serves as a framework for new projects and ideas and stimulates stronger and more active cultural life throughout the municipality and its neighbouring areas. - Acquiring additional public funding and new financial donors is made easier, in light of the motivating and encouraging project framework offered by the EYC.

3. Who can apply?

Local authorities can apply. Included in the definition local authorities are municipalities or a grouping of municipalities within a metropolitan area. Local authorities from Member States of the are eligible. If you are unsure about your eligibility to apply, please contact David Garrahy [email protected]

ANNEX I

ING bank Name of Bank Marnix Business Branch 1, rue du Trône Address of bank 1000 BRUXELLES BELGIUM SWIFT or BIC code BBRUBEBB

Account number 310-1321259-11

IBAN BE30 3101 3212 5911

2 More information on the selection jury can be obtained upon request from the YFJ Secretariat.