Next Generation JEF 

JEF Sections could apply for two different types of grants in order to take into account different needs and capacity: either smaller-scale grants of €500 or else larger-scale grants ranging from €3000 to €5000.

Sections were selected by an external Advisory Board, who ensured that among all the criteria, all beneficiaries addressed intersectional barriers in their applications. This criteria was specifically emphasised  in order to ultimately further diversify JEF Europe’s membership, and ensure more representation across the JEF network.

€5000

JEF Belgium applied for the NGJ re-granting scheme to fund BLAZE – “Building Leaders for an All-Inclusive Zone of Equality.” This project aims to develop and implement a training program focused on addressing intersectional barriers and promoting inclusivity and diversity.  The training program will consist of a series of sessions designed to increase awareness and understanding of intersectional barriers, build skills and knowledge, foster collaboration, lead by example and create leaders to promote inclusiveness. This will be done during a weekend Training Program, where a group of 20-25 persons will be trained by experienced trainers using non-formal education methods.

€5000

JEF Slovenia’s proposal includes a training program that will enhance their event organising and youth engagement skills, driven by our passion for promoting European values and expanding our local and international network. The section plans to hold events surrounding Europe Day, such as a pub quiz, topical discussions, and promoting the section’s opportunities to its members and participation in student events to boost visibility and recruit new NGO members. Additionally, we aim to organise a United in European Values event focusing on intersectional discrimination in Europe, followed by a Eurovision public viewing. Another initiative involves hosting “European Nights” to discuss European topics in a non-formal setting, addressing issues like the anti-LGBT+ law in Hungary or the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Lastly, a collaborative “European Picnic” with JEF Styria will involve engaging with a local CSO/environmental group, and discussing ecological farming and the EU’s Green Deal, fostering team-building with JEF Styria members.

€5000

JEF Italy’s aim is to fund a maximum of 10 of their local sections or groups of sections, contributing a maximum of 10 initiatives through the NGJ scheme. This will be done through an internal call, aimed to identify local sections capable of presenting well-grounded proposals. The supported events would encompass professional training programs, hackathons, open debates, and initiatives aimed at expanding the network of public entities and civil society organisations involved in shaping the future of Europe leading up to the European Elections in 2024. All activities would therefore be also strategically aligned with the EurHope campaign.

€5000

JEF Finland’s planned action is twofold, aiming to promote diversity and enhance the participation of young people, especially those facing fewer opportunities, while also increasing accessibility through English publications. The first part involves training for the boards of JEF Finland and local sections, with a focus on addressing intersectional barriers such as age, gender, background, and wealth. This comprehensive approach, accommodating around 20 participants, aims to increase accessibility. The second part involves translating materials into English, including the Agenda for the European Parliament Elections brochure and Liittovaltio (The Federal State) publication, thereby increasing awareness of EU rights and values. This language accessibility initiative aims to have a broader impact by making materials available throughout Europe.

€5000

JEF Spain’s proposal for their local section JEF Illes Balears involved two key components. Firstly, a workshop on female leadership and a corresponding social media campaign aimed at raising awareness about this subject. The workshop on Female Leadership will use non-formal education to equip participants with tools and deepen their understanding of the issue. The workshop will guide participants in defining leadership characteristics, examining barriers hindering women’s access to high positions, and collaboratively seeking solutions for achieving gender balance. The social campaign will utilise the hashtag #FemaleLeadershipJEF, featuring a series of posts highlighting the scarcity of women in leadership positions, supported by relevant statistics and facts in the context of European Affairs. The second component would be a formal event, including the publication of “Terraza por Europa” in Palma.

€500

The proposal by JEF Spain, on behalf of JEF Galicia, is to hold an event launching JEF Galicia as a section while also addressing the implications of the European Commission’s restrictions on bottom fishing in the Northeast Atlantic for the fishing industry in Galicia. It aims to bridge the gap between the Galician population and the latest developments in the common fisheries policy, while also introducing JEF Galicia and enhancing the accessibility of the European Union for Galician citizens. The program will feature concise presentations, a panel debate, a group activity, and conclude with a networking cocktail.

€500

JEF Netherlands proposed holding two debates evenings in a hybrid format, possibly taking place in Maastricht and Rotterdam/The Hague. In Maastricht, the debate would target the inclusion of international students in the local democracy ahead of the European Elections in order to provide them with a platform to voice their opinions and concerns about their participation in local democracy, and to engage in a dialogue with local politicians and community leaders to support their inclusion and integration in local decision-making. The aim of the debate in Rotterdam/The Hague is to understand the expectations and concerns of Dutch young people living in rural areas ahead of the European Elections 2024 providing them with a platform to share their opinions and facilitate a dialogue between them and policymakers. The overall aim is to raise awareness about the importance of youth participation in the EU decision-making process and to promote the role of young people in shaping the future of the EU.

€500

JEF Romania applied for funding under NGJ with the aim of holding a seminar on activism and public participation. They planned to hold the seminar in Constanța, since there were no JEFers in this part of the country and it could be a good opportunity for recruitment. A communication campaign on social media,  promoting the event and JEF Romania is also included as part of the section’s application. 

€500 

In line with their section priorities in 2023, JEF Hungary aims to extend its activities to cities outside of Budapest. Through the NGJ scheme, they aim to invite local subject matter experts and young activist participants to connect with their audience, raising crucial questions through local voices. The ultimate goal is to organise at least four forums in major cities of Hungary that serve as educational hubs in the countryside. Through the re-granting scheme, they would like to finance the first two events as a pilot, to see how to make this format of engagement development successful in the future. Their long term goal is to be able to organise these kind of events on a regular yearly basis.

€500

JEF Estonia aims to address the sensitive topic of race and racism in Estonia, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of ethno-nationalism and nativism in Estonian politics. To do this, they want to hold a day-long seminar set in a natural environment to facilitate open discussions about experiences of racism in Estonia. Following the seminar, they aim to maintain communication with participants to collaboratively compile a comprehensive report detailing experiences of race and racism, along with potential courses of action. The finalised report will be primarily disseminated to Estonian politicians and policymakers to raise awareness and prompt action, as well as shared on social media platforms and within the JEF network to extend its reach and impact.

JEF Estonia dropped out of the scheme in September 2023.