Inclusion and diversity are two sides of the same coin: we want to include young people with fewer opportunities while positively addressing the diversity that different groups add to our lives.

To do so, we have set four strategic goals to guide our work through the end of 2027 — based on identified needs related to inclusion, diversity, and solidarity in the youth sector, as well as the post-pandemic context and emerging inclusion challenges.

1. Use EU Youth Programmes to improve life chances for those who need it most - we work with National Agencies and people with lived experiences to share inspiring inclusion stories, remove participation barriers, and improve the quality and reach of youth projects so that more young people — especially those often left out — can take part.

2. Strengthen the skills of those working with young people - we support inclusion-focused and mainstream organisations, as well as National Agencies, by offering training, practical resources, and guidance to help them reach diverse youth through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

3. Support policies that create better opportunities for all young people - we gather insights and feedback to improve the inclusiveness of EU youth programmes, collaborate with other sectors like education and social work, and put the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy into practice across all levels.

4. Raise awareness about the value of inclusion and diversity - make Inclusion & Diversity a core topic in youth work and EU programmes and show how inclusion strengthens all types of projects, not just targeted ones

We work strategically with different partners within Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps to achieve a greater impact on the lives of young people with fewer opportunities, that includes:

Implementation guidelines: Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Inclusion and Diversity Strategy

The Inclusion & Diversity Strategy was created to make Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps more open and supportive for everyone. It brings together the experiences of different projects and encourages sharing, learning, and inspiring one another. It’s especially designed to help young people with fewer opportunities get the support they need. For organisations, it offers a clear and simple framework to plan and carry out projects that are truly inclusive and impactful.

We support the implementation of the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy by:

• building knowledge, raising awareness, creating tools, and training youth workers and National Agencies.
• gathering and sharing feedback and insights on how the Strategy is working and teaming up with the education and training sector.
• supporting the work of the Inclusion & Diversity Steering Group

• Read more: 
  • Implementation guidelines - Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Inclusion and Diversity Strategy
  • Leaflet with a short overview of Erasmus+ & European Solidarity Corps support for inclusion and diversity projects.
  • Leaflet in easy to read language!

Inclusion & Diversity Steering Group

The Inclusion & Diversity Steering Group consists of representatives from the European Commission, SALTO Resource Centres, and National Agencies, who work together to make sure EU Youth Programmes are fair and open to everyone. They guide the work and take action when needed—so young people from all kinds of backgrounds can take part in international projects and experiences. 

We’ve actively contributed to shaping and implementing the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. This includes:

• Supporting the implementation of the Inclusion & Diversity Strategy and the creation of awareness tools like leaflets and videos

• Advocating for tailored approaches to benefit young people with fewer opportunities, such as more inclusive project formats and funding mechanisms, and providing feedback to make inclusion language clearer in programme materials and application forms

• Supporting assessors with guidance on inclusion and equity principles

• Analysing the impact of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps on inclusion and gathering insights for improvement

• Connecting with reliable hosting organisations for volunteers with specific needs

• Supporting National Agencies with training, resources, and dedicated inclusion officers

• Sharing and promoting good practices and initiatives from across Europe

Inclusion in the EU youth programmes means two things:

•  Actively reaching out to young people with fewer opportunities, and 
• Creating projects that promote inclusion and diversity-related topics — of all kinds.
     

It’s about making sure no one is left out of opportunities to learn, grow, and participate in European youth work.

Who Are Young People with Fewer Opportunities?

These are young people who face barriers that make it harder for them to take part in international or local youth activities.

Barriers may include:

• Health issues or disability
• Social or cultural challenges
• Economic difficulties
• Living in remote or rural areas
• Discrimination based on identity, gender or background
• Educational struggles or early school leaving
   

Our job is to recognise these challenges — and remove them.

Why Inclusion Matters?

Inclusion isn’t just a box to tick — it’s about giving all young people a fair chance to succeed. Inclusive projects:

• Empower those who are often left out
• Strengthen communities by reducing inequality
• Bring in fresh ideas and perspectives
• Help shape a Europe where everyone belongs to and contributes
   

When inclusion is central, everyone benefits — not just those targeted.

Inclusion and Diversity Go Hand in Hand

Diversity is everywhere — in culture, ability, background, and identity.
But it’s inclusion that makes diversity meaningful.

To create truly inclusive spaces, we need to:

• Equip youth workers and organisations with inclusive skills
• Celebrate differences as opportunities for learning
• Build projects that reflect the real, diverse world young people live in
   

By embracing diversity, we create stronger, more impactful projects — and a better future for all.