4. Youth criteria

To ensure that projects deliver solutions created by youth - for youth, the Interreg NPA has introduced specific youth criteria that all applications must meet. Note: by young people, the Interreg NPA Programme understands people age 35 and below.

All projects must be:

Youth-led: the application documents how youth has shaped the project idea, how they will be involved in project activities, and how they will influence project governance.
Youth-focused: the challenge the project is addressing is clearly relevant for young people and the application also describes how the solution developed will benefit young people.
Youth-inclusive: at least one partner (including associated partners) is a youth organisation – an organisation that actively works on issues affecting young people in the Northern Periphery and Arctic. Examples include local grassroots youth or community-based organisations, student associations, volunteer or youth-led groups, indigenous youth organisations, cultural or sports organisations involving youth, NGOs focused on youth engagement, youth councils or parliaments, or relevant municipal, regional, or national departments.

Your questions

Where in the application do I address the youth criteria?

In the JEMS Application, you are asked to address the youth criteria in two different questions. In question C.2.1 Youth focus, you describe the challenges or opportunities young people across the NPA are facing, and how your project will address them. In question C.3 Youth-led and inclusive partnership, you explain how young people have contributed to designing the project, how they will take part in activities, and how they will influence decision-making. This is also where you can describe which youth organisations are involved in your project, and whether they are project partners or associated partners.

How will the youth criteria be assessed?

As part of the eligibility assessment, the Joint Secretariat checks all applications to see if they meet the youth criteria. Applicants are asked to clearly explain in the application how young people will be part of the project, who will be involved, what these young people will do, and why their participation is important. The clearer the explanation, the easier it is for the Joint Secretariat to evaluate the application.

How much influence should young people have over project design, implementation and decision-making?

The simple answer would be as much as they agree to. Youth projects are meant to deliver solutions created by youth – for youth. Therefore, the Interreg NPA has designed 3 Youth criteria that are meant to ensure that youth is involved at all relevant levels and in all relevant activities.