Toolkit by EU4Youth: how to run impactful Youth Policy Labs in the Eastern Partnership

To harmonise the implementation of Youth Policy Labs (YPL) across the Eastern Partnership, the EU4Youth Coordination and Policy Support project has developed a comprehensive toolkit. This document is now available as a resource for any organisation interested in planning and implementing an impactful policy lab in accordance with EU guidelines.

The toolkit provides a detailed introduction to the YPL methodology, specifically designed for youth organisations and policymakers who are considering hosting or organising a YPL. It outlines the expected benefits, and specifies the tasks and competencies required for YPL facilitators. A checklist is included to differentiate YPLs from other forms of participatory democracy and youth involvement in policy-making. 

Moreover, the document explains the YPL cycle step-by-step, enabling facilitators and interested parties to gain a thorough understanding of the proposed method.

Annie Hovsepyan, co-author of the EU4Youth YPL Toolkit, Youth Affairs Expert, Lecturer and Researcher, explains: “The most important element of the Toolkit is its practical structure – especially the step-by-step guidance through the YPL cycle. It transforms abstract concepts into actionable steps, making the methodology truly accessible to both newcomers and experienced facilitators.” 

Claudio Dondi, reference expert for the YPL methodology in the EU4Youth Programme for the EaP since 2020 and responsible for the Capacity Building of YPL facilitators, adds that “the Toolkit summarises four years of experience in designing, implementing and assessing the results of Youth Policy Labs”. 

“Beyond clarifying the approach and practical development phases, it provides a ‘what’s in it for me’ introduction for policymakers and youth organisations, the two parties that are expected to initiate a YPL and to agree on a relevant and timely policy challenge.”

EU4Youth launched the new generation of EaP YPLs in 2024, with a Policy Labs Hub supporting this initiative. The labs are facilitated by the ‘EU4Youth: Engagement and Empowerment’ project in Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. The EU4Youth YPLs aim to involve young people in policy dialogue, co-create youth policies, and sustain youth participation mechanisms in the EaP region. 

The Youth Policy Lab Hub provides guidelines, resources, webinars, and capacity-building opportunities for facilitators, policymakers, and stakeholders. Monthly facilitator check-ins promote knowledge exchange, creating a strong regional community to support effective youth policy design and implementation. 

If you do not want to miss any news about youth policy labs in the EaP, sign up to the EU4Youth Stakeholder Hub.