Italian City of Youth: the 2027 call for applications is now open – the award focuses on the sustainability of policies
Municipalities can apply until 20 December. Greater emphasis on housing, employment and tackling depopulation. Once the results have been announced, a phase of monitoring the outcomes will begin
Individual projects will carry less weight, whilst the long-term sustainability of strategies will be given greater importance. From the 2027 edition onwards, the ‘Italian City of Youth’ Award is changing its criteria: from now on, the continuity and impact of local authorities’ youth policies will be the key factors. The call for entries is already open.
It is organised by the National Youth Council (CNG), the Minister for Sport and Youth and the Italian Youth Agency (AIG), in collaboration with ANCI Giovani. Local authorities have until 20 December 2026 to submit their projects. Eligibility criteria and guidelines are published on the CNG portal.
New developments in assessment
The first change concerns the assessment process. The press release announces ‘even more specific’ criteria for measuring the soundness, sustainability and long-term impact of local authority strategies. The award aims to recognise local authorities that adopt ‘comprehensive and structural’ youth policies capable of making a difference to the local community.
Independence of the younger generations
The second pillar is the autonomy of the younger generations. Measures that support young people’s independence in terms of housing, work and social life take centre stage, with an explicit focus on combating their exodus from rural and inland areas. The third new development concerns participation: young people must be directly involved in local government decision-making and not merely be ‘recipients of services’.
The next stage
The latest amendment alters the very nature of the award. The award no longer concludes with the award ceremony. Following the ceremony, a mentoring phase begins, which monitors the practical implementation of policies and the results achieved over time. The award thus becomes a process of assessing what local authorities have put in place for the younger generations.
