More than a youth card: how the Youth Panel sees the future of EYCA

EYCA is more than a network of discounts, it’s a space where young people, communities, and sustainable ideas can come together.

Over the past months, the EYCA Youth Panel worked on a proposal that looks beyond the card itself and asks a broader question: how can the association create real impact today while staying relevant in the future?

The result is a youth-led vision built around three clear priorities.

The first focuses on communities and businesses.

• The Youth Panel believes EYCA can play a stronger role in supporting local economies by prioritising sustainable and socially responsible partnerships. By encouraging everyday choices that support local actors, inclusive initiatives, and environmentally friendly solutions, EYCA can help strengthen communities across Europe while promoting more responsible consumption.

The second priority is youth leadership. 

• According to the Youth Panel, sustainability and social impact work best when young people are actively involved in shaping and leading it. Creating more opportunities for youth-led environmental and social actions, and giving young people a stronger voice in how EYCA evolves, ensures that impact is not only planned but lived and measured.

The third pillar looks at digitalisation and global connection. 

• By embracing digital solutions, EYCA can significantly reduce its environmental footprint while making the Youth Card more accessible. At the same time, digital tools allow EYCA to connect young people across borders, encouraging exchange, cooperation, and shared action on challenges that go beyond national boundaries.

Together, these three pillars point in one direction: an association that moves forward alongside young people, sustainable partners, and resilient communities. For the Youth Panel, this proposal is not about changing what EYCA is, but about building on its strengths to shape what comes next.

You can view the full position paper in the PDF below, and check out the video where Vincent, explains the vision. 

Position Paper - Sustainable and Future-Proof Recommendations for EYCA’s Actions and Partnerships