On Thursday, 25th September 2025 youth workers, project leaders, freelancers and newcomers came together at Younity Utrecht for the annual Erasmus+ Youth Networking Event. With this year’s theme “The Impact of the Outside,” the day created space for rich dialogue, inspiring workshops and plenty of opportunities to connect through our experiences. The event began with a relaxed lunch, allowing participants to meet one another before the official program kicked off. During the opening session, organizers emphasized that everyone- whether experienced with Erasmus+ funding, newly applying or simply curious was welcome to join the conversation. This inclusive atmosphere set the tone for the rest of the day.

The plenary fishbowl session invited participants to reflect on how outside factors influence youth work. From shifting policies to the role of communities and international partners, perspectives flowed openly as attendees rotated into the conversation circle. This dynamic format sparked both critical questions and practical insights, leaving participants with fresh ways of thinking about their projects.

In the afternoon, smaller workshop groups provided hands-on opportunities to dive deeper. Here, participants exchanged best practices, unpacked challenges, and brainstormed creative approaches to future Erasmus+ projects. The interactive setting encouraged peer learning, ensuring everyone left with new ideas to apply in their own contexts. We loved participating in the workshop about inclusion! Getting different perspectives and new ideas on how to include the whole spectrum of people in our society will influence how we organise our events and projects in the future.

The day wrapped up with a short plenary reflection before moving into the borrel. Over drinks and informal chats, new partnerships began to take shape, and old connections were strengthened. Many shared that this networking moment was just as valuable as the sessions themselves, reminding us of the power of community within Erasmus+ <3

Stichting yEUth is proud to have participated in such a vibrant and collaborative event. The Erasmus+ Youth Networking Event 2025 once again proved to be a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and growth. We thank everyone we had a chance to meet and to the organisers – Dutch National Agency, who strongly contributed to the energy of the day, and we look forward to building on these conversations in future projects and gatherings.

Stay tuned for more future opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within the Erasmus+ Youth community because we have many cool ideas! See you soon, friends!