The trilateral work of the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) is based on the conviction that core questions regarding the future of Europe can only be answered through a dialogue with neighboring countries and that close cooperation leads to stability and prosperity on both sides.
There is a special focus on trilateral projects with countries from the southern and eastern Mediterranean region, especially with the countries of the Maghreb. These projects are intended to create a framework in which young people can develop a Euro-Mediterranean consciousness. In addition to important issues of democracy and human rights, the rule of law, pluralism or civil society engagement, the projects emphasize the exchange of methods, facts and insights, as well as shared intercultural experiences. Participants can then apply this knowledge to measures aimed at strengthening civil society in their countries, as well as in their professional and personal environments, which could help promote long-term democratization processes. Countries of the Mediterranean rim eligible for FGYO-funding are Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Turkey and Tunisia. Priority is given to the Maghreb countries of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
Topics
The trilateral meetings with partners from the Maghreb countries are like the bilateral programs intended to contribute to a better understanding of other cultures, as well as the participants’ own. The FGYO’s programs are adapted to the various situations in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Trilateral youth meetings should also be project-based and in line the FGYO’s directives. (Socio-)political issues are the focus behind the trilateral programs.
Each year, in consultation with the German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères), several thematic key areas particularly relevant for the Maghreb-Special Fund (see below) are set out, usually covering the following topics:
- strengthening of democracy and human rights,
- development of civil society,
- vocational training programs, career advancement and mobility,
- protection of the environment and climate,
- past and future of the euro-mediterranean cooperation
The thematic key areas for the current year can be found in the call for applications.
Special fund for Maghreb countries
Focusing on the thematic key areas, which are named in the project call, is essential for a successful application for the special fund. The selected youth exchange programs are characterized by their pioneering nature and are innovative projects with a strong emphasis on current affairs and topics concerning foreign policy.
The period for the application via the online form, to be filled out by the French or German partner, runs from early September to 1st November of each year for projects in the following year. Please follow all indicated steps. You can find here the application text for the Maghreb-Special Fund 2024 in arabic.
Application for FGYO-funding
Applications for FGYO-funding for trilateral projects should be sent with the completed application form directly to the relevant department at the FGYO at least three months prior to the beginning of the meeting, depending on whether it is a school exchange, an extracurricular, professional or university exchange or a project in further education.