Call for Applications: Council of Europe Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ) 2026–2027

DR. RABIU RABIU DR. RABIU RABIU
Apr 9, 2025 - 08:43
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Call for Applications: Council of Europe Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ) 2026–2027

Deadline: 18 May 2025, 6 p.m. CEST

The Council of Europe is inviting applications from young people across its 46 member states, the Holy See, and Kazakhstan to become members of the Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ) for the 2026–2027 term. This is a unique opportunity for youth leaders to influence European youth policy, promote human rights, and engage in co-managed governance with government representatives.

About the Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ)

The Advisory Council on Youth is a non-governmental body composed of 30 young representatives who work in partnership with government officials through a co-management system. Together with the European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ), the CCJ forms the Joint Council on Youth (CMJ), which sets priorities for the Council of Europe’s youth sector based on the Youth Sector Strategy 2030.

What CCJ Members Do

Selected CCJ members are expected to:

  • Contribute to shaping the youth sector’s policies and strategic direction

  • Represent youth organisations and networks at high-level meetings and consultations

  • Attend two statutory meetings each year at the European Youth Centres in Strasbourg and Budapest

  • Participate in working groups, drafting sessions, and thematic consultations

  • Promote the values of human rights, democracy, and youth participation

  • Provide input to Council of Europe bodies, including the Committee of Ministers

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

  1. Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application

  2. Reside in one of the 46 Council of Europe member states, the Holy See, or Kazakhstan

  3. Be nominated by a legally registered non-governmental youth organisation or network in the same countries

  4. Demonstrate experience and motivation to contribute to the CCJ’s work

  5. Be fluent in English, the working language of the Advisory Council

  6. Commit to participating actively throughout the 2026–2027 term

Important Notes

  • The organisation nominating the candidate must not be a full, observer, or associate member of the European Youth Forum

  • Candidates must not be eligible to hold a position in the European Youth Forum

  • A nomination letter signed by the head of the organisation is required

  • The selection will aim to ensure diversity, inclusiveness, and balanced representation

Focus Areas of the Youth Sector Strategy 2030

The Advisory Council contributes to the Council of Europe’s Youth Sector Strategy 2030, which includes five thematic priorities:

  1. Revitalising Pluralistic Democracy – Encouraging youth participation in democratic processes and civic life

  2. Young People’s Access to Rights – Promoting knowledge of and access to social, economic, and political rights

  3. Living Together in Peaceful and Inclusive Societies – Supporting peacebuilding, inclusion, and anti-discrimination efforts

  4. Youth Work – Strengthening recognition, quality, and innovation in youth work and non-formal education

  5. Developing Youth Policy Based on Council of Europe Standards – Supporting member states in aligning youth policies with European standards

Who Should Apply

This call is particularly relevant for youth organisations and networks that:

  • Work in fields such as democracy, social justice, education, inclusion, peacebuilding, or the environment

  • Have a clear youth component and legal registration

  • Have not previously worked with the Council of Europe or served on the CCJ

Applications are also welcome from organisations that previously participated in the Advisory Council but are not currently members.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the official online form. Required documents include:

  • A nomination letter from the head of your organisation or network

  • A copy of the organisation’s registration document

Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.

Selection Process

The Council of Europe’s Secretary General will assess applications based on eligibility, motivation, and alignment with the goals of the Youth Sector Strategy 2030. The final selection will be made by the Committee of Ministers in October 2025. All applicants, including those placed on reserve lists, will be notified following the decision.

Contact

For more information, contact:
Advisory Council on Youth Secretariat
Youth Department, Directorate for Democracy
Council of Europe
F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex
Email: advisorycouncil@coe.int
Phone: +33 (0)3 88 41 32 24

Apply before 18 May 2025, 6 p.m. CEST, and contribute to shaping the future of youth policy in Europe.

Call document: https://rm.coe.int/call-applications-ccj-2026-27-final/1680b527f8
CCJ secretariat contact: advisorycouncil@coe.int

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