Eurocarers Young Carers Working Group – Annual Meeting 2025 in Amsterdam
Eurocarers Young Carers Working Group – Annual Meeting 2025 in Amsterdam
On 24 November 2025, the Eurocarers Young Carers Working Group (EYCWG) held its annual meeting in Amsterdam, hosted in a hybrid format at the University of Applied Sciences in the morning and at Markant – Amsterdam Carers Centre in the afternoon. The meeting took place back-to-back with the Dutch Young Carers Conference, held on 25 November in Amersfoort and themed “Stronger together for young carers.” This provided an exceptional occasion for exchange, co-creation, and cross-country learning.
A day of connection, reflection, and co-creation
The morning session of the EYCWG meeting focused on reconnecting and sharing updates from across Europe. Members reported on significant developments in 2025 and highlighted what they look forward to in 2026.
This session set the basis for a collective discussion on what the EYCWG – as a voluntary network – can realistically prioritise in 2026, and which EU policy processes remain relevant for young carers.
Joint exchange with Dutch young carers
In the afternoon, participants joined Dutch young carers for an interactive programme featuring:
- A speed-friending session to connect participants
- A World Café–style exchange to explore jointly identified key topics
- Group rotations and plenary reporting by rapporteurs
The outcomes of these discussions will contribute to a joint statement titled “Amsterdam Messages from Young Carers”, to be shared with EU and national policymakers.
Strengthening the European young carers movement
The 2025 EYCWG meeting reconfirmed the importance of cross-border collaboration, youth participation, and shared advocacy. Participants left with:
- Clearly defined priorities for the Working Group in 2026;
- A strengthened understanding of relevant EU policy levers, helping to steer the group’s advocacy for young carers across youth, social, health, and carers-related policy frameworks;
- Shared insights gathered together with Dutch young carers;
- Renewed energy to continue strengthening visibility, rights, and support for young carers across Europe.
