Trilateral programmes with European countries

Germany and France have a special responsibility within and for Europe. Today, these erstwhile ‘traditional enemies’ are ‘nearly best friends’: Especially in times of crisis, it is important for Germany and France – together with their European partners – to keep Europe together. Franco-German cooperation is closely linked to the shared commitment to European integration.

Add to favorites

‘Franco-German’ means ‘European’

In youth encounters, young people acquaint themselves with other languages and cultures while acquiring key skills for Europe. Shaped by the idea of a Europe of diversity, young people can and should live the idea of cross-border solidarity and tolerance. They should strengthen their European identity and help make the world’s unique peace project of Europe fit for the future.

The FGYO would like to share with other countries the experience of Franco-German remembrance and peace work initiated in 1963, thus contributing to peaceful dialogue, reconciliation and conflict prevention. The FGYO also promotes encounters with young people from Europe whose home countries currently face a variety of challenges (countries in crisis situations).

"Youth for Peace" participants

Selecting the third partner

Accordingly, the current situation of the three countries involved and the needs of the participants should be taken into account when selecting a third partner country for an exchange project. Projects with other countries must address current political and social issues. These include, for example, youth unemployment, vocational training, flight from distress, displacement, Euroscepticism or populism. What is important is that the project topics directly affect the life situations of young people and hold promise to exert a positive influence.

Young participants in a play

Application

Applications for trilateral projects with countries in crisis are possible only through FGYO funding. The funding application must be sent directly to the FGYO office responsible for the crisis in question. The decisive factor here is whether the proposed project is a school-based, extracurricular, career-related or university-based exchange or course of further training.

The word "peace" in several languages

FAQ: Trilateral programs

What costs are subsidized by the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO)?

The Franco-German Youth Office subsidizes travel expenses, basic costs (accommodation and meals), programme-related costs (project expenses), as well as activities planned aspart of the language exchange program. For more information, please refer to our Guidelines in French of in German.

Which target groups or age groups are the programs aimed at?

Trilateral programs are open to all young people from France, Germany, and a number of other countries, regardless of their language proficiency or their geographic or sociocultural background.

Who can apply for a grant?

Schools, higher education and vocational institutions, associations and federations, town-twinning committees, and other types of organizations may apply for a grant to organize trilateral meetings.

What distinguishes Special Funds from the FGYO’s “standard grants”?

Special Funds are provided by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the German Federal Foreign Office. They are dedicated to exchange projects in the following regions:

Grant applications must be submitted between September and November via an online form. Projects must focus on specific themes related to foreign policy.

It is also possible to apply for projects with countries in the EU’s Eastern Partnership.

Projects funded by the Special Funds are distinguished by their pilot nature. Projects that are not selected are placed on a waiting list and may simultaneously be the subject of a “standard” grant application to the FGYO.

How many group leaders are eligible for a grant from the FGYO?

As a general rule, one group leader or staff member can be subsidized for every five participants in a group project. In cases where there is a justified need, a higher number of group leaders may be considered.

What is the maximum number of participants eligible for funding?

The FGYO can grant funding for a maximum of 70 people, including group leaders.

What is meant by an “equal number of participants”?

To foster a positive group dynamic, it is important that the number of participants from each country be balanced. When the group is unbalanced, young people of the same nationality may tend to stick together, causing the exchange to lose its trinational character.
The number of participants from any single country must not exceed one-third of the total number of participants.
One of the groups is allowed to have up to one third more participants. For example: 12 French participants, 16 German participants, 12 participants from another country.

Do the young participants have to be the same throughout all phases of the exchange?

Young people will benefit much more from the effects of intercultural learning and have a far more enriching experience if they participate in all phases of the exchange. They should have the opportunity to experience both being guests in another country and being hosts in their own country. Trinational exchanges allow young people to directly observe how their own experiences are reflected in the participants from the other two countries. This helps amplify and diversify the effects of intercultural learning. That is why it is strongly recommended that young people participate in all phases of the exchange.

How can I find participants for my project?

To find participants, post your program on the FGYO website.

Which countries can participate in a trinational exchange?

Central and Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia (in yellow);
South-Eastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia (in green);
Countries of the Eastern Partnership of the EU: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldavia, Ukraine (yellow stripes)*;
Mediterranean region: Maghreb, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Turkey (in red);
Other EU and non-EU European countries: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland (in light grey and orange).

Cooperation with Belarus and Russia is not taking place at the moment.

How can I find a partner organization in Germany or another country?

The FGYO’s pedagogical stuff can assist you with your search. You can also find partner organizations in our Partner directory.

Who should submit the grant application?

The host organization is responsible for submitting the application—that is, the French organization for the exchange in France and the German organization for the exchange in Germany. The organization from the third country is not authorized to submit the application; it must be handled by one of the two partner organizations, either the German or the French one.

What documents should be included in the application?

The complete application must include the following documents:

the application form, duly completed, signed, and stamped;
the draft program.

Maghreb, CEE, and PESE Special Funds: Grant applications are submitted by completing an online form, to which the draft program and concept can be attached.

What is the deadline for submitting an application?

Three months before the start of the event for standard DFJW grant applications.

Application deadlines are listed on the respective program pages:

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE);
South-Eastern Europe (SEE);
Countries of the Eastern Partnership of the EU (CEP);
Mediterranean region;
Other EU and non-EU European countries.

Special Funds for CEE, SEE, and the Maghreb: September through November for projects taking place the following year.