News and Competitions

Today, the European Union marks 40 years since the EU flag was first raised at the Berlaymont building in Brussels, the headquarters of the European Commission, with a special flag-raising ceremony.

Your ideas matter. Take part in the European public consultation and help shape the future of youth policy by 16 July 2026 (midnight Brussels time).

World Bee Day, celebrated every year on 20 May, is a chance to discover why bees are some of the most important creatures on our planet.

What happens after war separates children from their families? The award-winning documentary “After the Rain” follows Ukrainian children reunited with their loved ones after being forcibly transferred to Russia.

Being online helps us connect, learn and have fun—but too much screen time can affect our mental and physical health. For young people, finding a healthy balance is especially important.

The European Commission is looking for 30 young people to join Commissioner Glenn Micallef in Lyon from 15–17 July 2026 for a Youth Policy Dialogue on the next EU Youth Strategy.

Thanks to digital technology children and young people today have almost limitless opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

9 May 2026 - we celebrate Europe Day! On this day, the 9th of May 1950, the former French foreign minister Robert Schuman signed the Schuman Declaration. It heralds an era of integration, peace and cooperation. Check what Europe Day website and the Learning Corner have to offer!

Are you 18 years old and a resident of an EU country or another country associated with Erasmus+? Then get ready to go on an adventure with DiscoverEU!

From 24 April to 1 May 2026, the European Youth Week (EYW). Throughout the week, a wide range of events will take place across Europe focusing on this year’s theme solidarity and fairness. Explore the Activities Map to see what’s happening near you.

The European Commission is calling on young people (15+) to share their views on the upcoming Circular Economy Act – a major EU initiative to reduce waste, boost sustainability, and create new opportunities.

2 April is International Fact-Checking Day, a day which reminds to stay intent and resilient against misinformation online. On our Staying Vigilant online page you can find essential tips and resources to help you safely navigate through the online landscape.

The European Union is launching a short online survey aimed at children and young people aged 12–17. The results will help shape the upcoming Digital Fairness Act –a new law that aims to make apps, games and websites fairer for the youngest consumers.

Today, the Learning Corner celebrates its 7th Birthday! For 7 years, it has been creating, promoting and developing learning materials for young people across Europe in all 24 official EU languages.

On International Women’s Day, these figures are more than statistics. They are a reminder of the talent, resilience and impact of women across Europe — and of the shared commitment to building equal opportunities for the future.

A new online debate has launched on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform, inviting people across the EU to share their ideas on preparedness and resilience. Encourage your networks, teachers and students (16+) to explore the platform and reflect on what preparedness means in their context!

Online safety is a major issue affecting children across the EU. To improve their safety, to empower them online and to develop ideas on how to better protect them, President von der Leyen held the first meeting of the Special Panel on child safety online.

21 February, is International Mother Language Day. Language is a big part of who we are and where we come from, which is why the Culture Compass for Europe helps protect and promote this rich diversity.

Cyberbullying is a pressing online safety issue affecting young people across Europe.