Germany has one of the most developed youth policy systems in Europe — multi-level, stable, and focused on youth participation. At its core is cooperation between the federal government, states, and municipalities, and the institutions and support mechanisms themselves have been formed over decades.

To understand how this system works, the Kharkiv and Sumy regional teams of NUMO joined forces to conduct a study. They analyzed how Germany ensures the institutional stability of youth organizations, funding, personnel support, and creates real tools for young people to influence decision-making. Experience shows that it is the combination of participation and stable support that brings about lasting change.

In Germany, young people are involved in policy-making at all levels through youth councils, forums, and consultations. This approach is enshrined in the 2019 National Youth Strategy, which includes 163 measures in nine areas and ensures interdepartmental coordination between federal ministries.

The central instrument of institutional funding is the Federal Plan for Children and Youth (Kinder- und Jugendplan, KJP). It supports not only individual projects, but also the systemic activities of organizations — from maintaining offices and teams to international exchanges. In 2025, the KJP budget amounted to €248.5 million, allowing organizations to work strategically rather than “from grant to grant.”

To receive such funding, an organization must be non-profit, operate in at least several federal states, and ensure youth participation in decision-making. Transparent reporting and compliance with financial regulations are mandatory. Support is usually provided for several years, which creates predictability and stability.

In addition to federal programs, Germany has state and municipal instruments called Landesjugendpläne. They finance youth councils, spaces, social startups, and local initiatives. This allows policies to be adapted to the needs of specific communities and supports youth work where it is most needed.

An important component is independent foundations — political, social, and charitable. Thanks to their own capital (endowments), they support educational programs, scholarships, youth spaces, and local initiatives, providing additional stability to the sector.

Germany combines youth policy with employment policy. The European Youth Guarantee initiative guarantees young people a job, training, or internship no later than four months after leaving school or losing their job.

At the same time, the federal EXIST program invests around €150 million annually in youth start-ups and university incubators, while KfW Gründerkredit loans with a state guarantee of up to 80% allow young people to start their own business even without significant start-up capital. In some states, such as Baden-Württemberg, there are additional awards for young craftsmen who start their own businesses.

The German experience shows that effective youth policy is based on stable institutions, long-term funding, and the real participation of young people in decision-making. Such investments not only support youth organizations but also shape the future of communities by making young people active partners of the state.

Upon request, we will send you the full text of the study. To receive it, please contact us by email at: [email protected]