Support study for the interim evaluation of the EU youth strategy 2019-2027 : final report

This support study, carried out by Kantar Public, Ramboll Management Consulting and Technopolis Group, provides an independent evidence base for the European Commission's interim evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance and added value of the Strategy, in line with the European Commission's Better Regulation Guidelines. The study focuses on the impact of new and reinforced instruments, and examines the three core areas: 'Engage', 'Connect' and 'Empower' at EU and national levels. It assesses the impact of the 2022 European Year of Youth on the EU Youth Strategy and how the Strategy contributes to social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and extends its international influence. The study uses a mixed-method approach and concludes that, overall, the EU Youth Strategy has had a positive impact on mainstreaming youth in EU-level policies and aligning priorities and support through EU programmes, strengthening the quality of youth work and expanding its international influence. At national level, the EU Youth Strategy acts as a catalyst for youth policy development and inspires national policymakers to address youth issues. The direct positive impact of the EUYS on youth has been achieved through the flagship instrument of the EU Youth Dialogue and the integration of youth perspectives into EU programmes. The study concludes that the resources allocated to the Strategy are cost-effective. The EU Youth Strategy is internally and externally coherent, mainstreaming youth through the European Youth Goals and its three core areas of 'Engage', 'Connect' and 'Empower'. The EU Youth Strategy remains relevant by maintaining its broad nature, by covering a wide range of issues relevant to European youth and, through its instruments, by providing an opportunity to voice the emerging needs of youth in Europe.