New Publications

Exploring Cooperation Projects with Neighbouring Partner Countries – Research Report 2024

Our new RAY NPC report on the impact and potential of cooperation projects with neighbouring partner countries in the EU youth programmes is out! Read further for an overview of the key findings and recommendations that emerged from this research.

What is this RAY NPC about?

In 2024, the RAY Network, together with the long-term strategic activity on neighbouring partner countries, Beyond Borders, and the regional SALTO Resource Centres, undertook the task of exploring cooperation projects by using available data from the RAY Monitoring surveys and complimenting it with a dedicated thematic survey and three focus groups.

The exploration focused on the specific characteristics that distinguish cooperation projects from other projects within the programmes, their effects on participants and teams, their accessibility for beneficiaries and young people in partner countries and the specific needs of beneficiaries, teams and participants involved in them.

What are the key findings?

RAY NPC findings show that cooperation projects expand the exceptional benefits of the programmes into regions bordering the EU, helping to build a stronger, more cohesive, and more inclusive youth sector that benefits everyone involved.

They provide invaluable learning experiences for young people, including young people with fewer opportunities; they contribute to the professional development and recognition of the youth field in partner countries; they do exceptionally well at making participants feel closer to Europe; and they create connections among individuals and civil society actors in programme and partner countries that effectively extend beyond the projects themselves. Beneficiaries and participants in cooperation projects have a special interest in bringing value to people and communities beyond their own benefit and they show a clear motivation to continue partnering with each other in the future.

To sustain this valuable initiative, it is imperative to address the feedback and needs for support expressed by participants, teams and beneficiaries. The most critical needs identified include better financial support for programme components; the need to give partner country beneficiaries the opportunity to apply for additional key actions; and the need to improve and contractual obligations within the European Solidarity Corps.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to take a look at the whole report or read the summary of the key findings, you can find both of them here.