Research findings from Germany: The lasting impact of 20 Years of EuroPeers

For 20 years, EuroPeers have been making Europe tangible for young people and providing information about EU youth programmes. A recent impact study from the German EuroPeers network, conducted within the context of the network anniversary, shows that EuroPeers are more than just a project – they are a network that enables long-term commitment, promotes European values and strengthens community.

What drives EuroPeers to be active within the network? What impact does their engagement have – on their peers and on the EuroPeers themselves?

These and other questions are explored in a national study carried out by the Centre for Applied Policy Research (CAP) on behalf of JUGEND für Europa as part of the EuroPeers anniversary year 2025. A total of 188 (current and formerly active) EuroPeers from the German network, as well as 46 Eurodesk contact points, participated in the online survey. In addition, interviews were conducted.

The results are impressive. The study demonstrates the considerable potential of the peer-to-peer approach, both in raising awareness of European youth programmes and in communicating European topics from the perspective of young people – as well as in highlighting how commitment can shape the personal and professional development of the EuroPeers themselves.

One EuroPeer describes her motivation as follows: “Maintaining the international spirit in my life after my ESC volunteering service … and, above all, giving other young people the opportunity, through information, to also take part in EU mobility programmes.” EuroPeers are active in schools, public spaces, youth organisations and increasingly also in the digital sphere.

The voluntary commitment has an impact – not only on the target groups, but also on the EuroPeers themselves. Many report profound changes in their lives.

“The job I have today, I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t become a EuroPeer,” says one EuroPeer. Another adds: “My life has been shaped by it to such an extent – so many friendships, study paths and career opportunities have emerged from it, and the network is one of the reasons why I feel connected to the EU and am committed to work on democracy.”

The figures support these impressions: 80 % consider their commitment to be very helpful for their personal development, and 30 % state that it influenced their career choice. Or, as one EuroPeer puts it succinctly: “Being a EuroPeer helps a person to progress in every aspect of life.”