The European Knowledge Centre for Youth Policy (EKCYP)

What it is

The European Knowledge Centre for Youth Policy (EKCYP) aims to provide the youth field with a single entry point to access knowledge and information on the realities of youth across Europe. It was developed within the framework of the Youth Research Partnership between the Council of Europe and the European Commission. The EKCYP is a tool for the implementation of the White Paper on Youth and in particular the European Commission common objectives on a Better Understanding of Youth and the Council of Europe monitoring of youth policy. It aims to promote evidence based policy making and practice and to enhance the exchange of information and dialogue across the youth field.

When it begun

The launch of the European Knowledge Centre for Youth Policy took place during the EU Luxembourg Presidency conference under the priority of a Better Understanding of Youth 16-18 June 2005 in Luxembourg and at the Council of Europe’s Conference of European Ministers responsible for Youth in Budapest 24-25 September 2005.

In 2006 content and technical infrastructure of the website was evaluated and feedback was gathered from the national correspondents who provide data and information on their countries based on questionnaires. As a result the revised European Knowledge Centre for Youth Policy is now integrated in the new partnership web-portal and is easily accessible for all users representing the triangle of research, policy and youth work.

 Network of EKCYP-correspondents

 Document library and other tools

In order to find more in-depth information on young people a searchable database provides documents from research, policy and practice. You can perform your search by keyword or using the advanced search to further narrow your research criteria.

You can also find an experts database where experts in the fields of youth can set up their own portfolios underlining their expertise. Examples of good practice on participation, information, voluntary activities and better understanding of youth are available for consultation.

Getting involved

Anyone can register into the EKCYP and all registered users can upload relevant research or policy documents to the document library, sign up to the expert database and by submitting news on youth related activities and events and examples of good practice on priority topics sharing their experiences with others. All documents, news or examples of good practice go through a validation process before going online.