In 1998, the Council of Europe and the European Commission

decided to take common action in the field of youth. Both institutions

initiated a partnership agreement with the aim "to promote active

European citizenship and civil society by giving impetus to the training of

youth leaders and youth workers working within a European dimension".

In 2003, additional agreements were signed in the fields of "youth research"

and "Euro-Mediterranean youth co-operation". Since 2005, the partnership

between the European Commission and the Council of Europe in the field

of youth activities have been focusing on the following topics: European

citizenship, human rights education and intercultural dialogue, quality and

recognition of youth work and training, better understanding and knowledge

of youth and youth policy development.

The partnership between the European Commission and the Council of

Europe in the field of youth brings together the two institutions' experience

in non-formal education, youth policy, youth research and youth work

practice. The co-operation between the two institutions covers a wide spectrum

of activities such as training, seminars, workshops, networking and

dialogue design.

Results and other materials are made available on the partnership website

(http://youth-partnership-eu.coe.int) and in various publications, including

the Training Kits (T-Kits).

T-Kits are thematic publications written by experienced youth trainers and

experts and constitute easy to use handbooks for educational activities.

All activities and publications enhance the exchange of experience and

good practice between the actors involved and contribute to the implementation

of the political objectives of both partners.