40 Years of ERYICA: From Access to Trust – Shaping the Future of Youth Information
2026
40 Years of ERYICA: From Access to Trust – Shaping the Future of Youth Information
A Statement by the ERYICA Governing Board
Forty years ago, ERYICA was founded with a clear and forward‑looking purpose: to ensure that young people across Europe have access to reliable, comprehensive and youth‑friendly information. Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we are not merely marking an anniversary; we are recognising a shared journey and a collective achievement. This is a moment of reflection, recognition, and projection; a time to look back at how far we have come, celebrate the resilience of our network today, and boldly shape the future.
Throughout our history, we have consistently upheld one fundamental principle: access to quality information is not a privilege, but a right. This right enables young people to make informed choices, participate actively in society, and exercise their autonomy.
A Legacy of Quality and Professionalism
Over the past four decades, ERYICA has grown into a vibrant network that connects, empowers, and represents youth information services across borders. We are proud of our most tangible achievements, which have set the standard for our profession. The European Youth Information Charter has provided our field with a shared ethical and professional foundation. Similarly, the European Youth Information Quality Label has translated our values into practice, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.
Furthermore, the official recognition of the youth information worker profession in ESCO, alongside the development of the extensive ERYICA training system (which has trained more than 2,800 youth information workers since 2010), demonstrates our unwavering commitment to professional standards.
The Paradigm Shift: From Access to Trust
The context in which we operate today differs greatly from that of the 1980s. The way young people access information has transformed significantly, reshaping expectations through digital platforms and social media. Today, young people are exposed to an unprecedented volume of information. Consequently, youth information is no longer only about providing access - it is about enabling trust.
The main challenge is no longer finding information, but having the ability to identify, understand and trust information relevant to their lives. We have transitioned from simply providing information to helping young people filter and navigate it. Youth information services act as a trusted bridge between young people and the societies they live in, offering safe and confidential contact points while strengthening digital and media literacy.
A Democratic Safeguard in Uncertain Times
In today’s climate of uncertainty, reliable youth information is a democratic safeguard. It strengthens democratic participation by enabling informed decision-making, civic engagement and critical thinking. Conversely, disinformation and manipulative content pose a growing risk to trust and democratic processes.
To build a truly resilient society, youth information must reach all young people, ensuring that it remains inclusive for those who are most vulnerable or hardest to engage, including those facing barriers due to socio-economic conditions, discrimination, or geographical isolation. Youth information plays a crucial role in overcoming barriers to participation and ensuring that no young person is left behind.
Essential Infrastructure, Not an Optional Layer
To fulfil this mandate, we need greater institutional support. Youth information workers are essential infrastructure, not an optional service layer. They should be explicitly recognised as a strategic component of youth policy and information ecosystems. While the 4th European Youth Work Convention marked an important milestone, youth information remains under‑represented. We must reinforce a clear message: there is no inclusive, democratic and empowering youth work without quality youth information.
We must also openly address the challenge of funding sustainability. Due to economic pressures, national budgets are being reduced, leaving many organisations struggling to maintain core services. It is important to emphasise that cutting costs at the expense of young people is short-sighted. Youth information is not a short-term service, but a long-term societal investment. Investments made today can help prevent higher costs and more complex challenges in the future, such as radicalisation and polarisation. By investing in non-formal education and youth information, we are investing in the future agents of change.
Shaping the Future: Digitalisation and Co-creation
As we look to the next 40 years, the challenges lie in adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven environments are fundamentally changing how young people access and evaluate information. Digital transformation and AI require a stronger youth information framework. We must actively integrate media and AI literacy, promote ethical frameworks, and support professionals in evaluating AI-generated content.
Crucially, if we truly want to reach young people, we must offer channels that are accessible, targeted, and designed for their reality. Young people must be recognised as partners in information systems. They are not only end-users but active participants and responsible content creators. Our systems should move towards structured co-creation models, where young people contribute as experience experts.
Celebrating Our Greatest Asset: The humans behind ERYICA
As we celebrate this 40th anniversary, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who have shaped ERYICA throughout its history. This milestone is, above all, a collective achievement that would not exist without the pioneers who imagined it, the members who built it, and the professionals who have defended it over the last four decades.
From the founding members in 1986 to the youth information workers currently on the front lines, their commitment has transformed ERYICA from a concept into a dynamic, resilient community. They are the essential infrastructure of this network, interpreting complex information and providing safe spaces for young people every single day.
ERYICA’s strength lies in its ability to adapt while staying grounded in its core mission. The future will require both innovation and continuity, and ERYICA is well-positioned to provide both. Let us continue to advocate, innovate, and work together to guarantee that every young person in Europe has access to information they can trust.
