The European Commission has officially opened applications for the 2026–2027 Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) Youth Network, offering an exceptional one-year leadership and learning opportunity for young people from the 13 Overseas Countries and Territories associated with the European Union.

Designed to strengthen the partnership between the European Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories, the OCT Youth Network equips young leaders with knowledge about European institutions, policymaking, sustainable development, and international cooperation while creating lasting connections among youth from different territories.

Participants will embark on an engaging one-year journey that combines study visits, leadership dialogues, networking events, online learning sessions, and participation in international forums. The programme empowers young people to represent the voices of their communities while contributing fresh ideas to the future of the OCT-EU Partnership.

If you are passionate about leadership, international affairs, youth participation, diplomacy, public policy, sustainable development, or European cooperation, this programme offers an invaluable opportunity to broaden your horizons and become part of an influential international youth community.

What is the OCT Youth Network?

The Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network is a prestigious initiative established by the European Commission to strengthen engagement between young people living in Overseas Countries and Territories and the European Union.

The Network consists of 25 carefully selected young people between the ages of 20 and 28, representing all thirteen Overseas Countries and Territories associated with the EU.

Since its launch in 2022, the programme has become one of the flagship youth engagement initiatives supporting stronger collaboration between the European Union and its Overseas Countries and Territories.

Rather than being a traditional training programme, the Network serves as a platform where young people actively contribute ideas, exchange experiences, influence dialogue, and represent youth perspectives within the OCT-EU Partnership.

Members spend an entire year participating in collaborative learning activities while building professional relationships with policymakers, EU institutions, fellow youth leaders, and experts from across the territories.

Purpose of the OCT Youth Network

The initiative was created to increase youth participation in international cooperation and ensure that young voices play an important role in shaping the future of the OCT-EU Partnership.

Its primary objectives include:

• Connecting young people from all 13 Overseas Countries and Territories.
• Building stronger relationships between OCT youth and European Union institutions.
• Increasing awareness and understanding of the European Union across the OCTs.
• Giving young people opportunities to contribute directly to important policy discussions.
• Promoting dialogue between youth and political decision-makers.
• Creating stronger links between OCT youth initiatives and other regional, national, and European youth programmes.
• Encouraging intercultural understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Supporting meaningful youth participation in sustainable development.

What Participants Will Experience

Successful applicants become members of a dynamic international network and participate in numerous educational and leadership activities throughout the year.

The programme includes:

1. Study Visit to Brussels

One of the highlights of the programme is a week-long study visit to Brussels, Belgium.

During this visit, members will:

• Explore how European institutions function.
• Visit major EU institutions.
• Learn how European policies are developed.
• Meet European policymakers.
• Participate in interactive workshops.
• Engage in structured dialogue sessions.
• Exchange ideas with European leaders.
• Learn more about the OCT-EU Partnership.

The Brussels experience gives participants firsthand exposure to European governance and international cooperation.

2. Online Learning Sessions

Throughout the year, members participate in various virtual learning activities including:

• Interactive webinars.
• Capacity-building workshops.
• Educational seminars.
• Skills development sessions.
• Policy discussions.
• Expert presentations.

These sessions deepen participants’ understanding of:

• European institutions
• International partnerships
• Sustainable development
• Youth participation
• Leadership
• Governance
• Public policy

3. Networking Opportunities

Participants become part of a growing international youth community.

Networking opportunities include:

• Connecting with youth leaders from all 13 OCTs.
• Building relationships with EU institutions.
• Meeting government representatives.
• Engaging with international organisations.
• Connecting with policymakers.
• Collaborating with experts and stakeholders.
• Building lifelong friendships and professional relationships.

4. Participation in International Events

Network members participate in several prestigious international events.

These may include:

• OCT-EU Forum
• Climate-related conferences
• European Youth events
• International policy dialogues
• High-level stakeholder meetings

Participation allows young leaders to share perspectives from their territories while contributing to important international discussions.

5. Youth Representation

Members play an active role in ensuring young people’s voices are heard.

They contribute by:

• Presenting youth recommendations.
• Participating in dialogue sessions.
• Co-leading discussions.
• Helping identify priorities for the Network.
• Sharing experiences from their territories.
• Promoting youth perspectives during high-level events.

Benefits of Joining the OCT Youth Network

Participants gain numerous academic, professional, and personal benefits throughout the programme.

These include:

• One-year international leadership experience.
• Participation in a study visit to Brussels.
• Direct exposure to European institutions.
• Access to EU policymakers and decision-makers.
• Expanded international professional network.
• Opportunities to represent youth interests.
• Participation in international conferences and forums.
• Leadership development.
• Improved communication skills.
• Greater understanding of international cooperation.
• Cross-cultural learning experiences.
• Collaboration with young leaders from different territories.
• Enhanced knowledge of European governance.
• Personal growth and increased global awareness.

Diversity and Inclusion

The European Commission emphasizes diversity within the Network.

The OCT Youth Network welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, including individuals with different:

• Educational qualifications.
• Professional experiences.
• Areas of expertise.
• Social backgrounds.
• Cultural identities.
• Personal interests.
• Economic circumstances.

This diversity strengthens dialogue and promotes inclusive decision-making.

History of the OCT Youth Network

First Edition (2022–2023)

The inaugural Network brought together 25 young people representing 10 Overseas Countries and Territories.

One of its major achievements was the development of a Youth Declaration, which was presented during the OCT-EU Forum in Nouméa, New Caledonia in November 2022.

The declaration highlighted young people’s priorities regarding the OCT-EU Partnership.

Second Edition (2023–2024)

The second cohort included representatives from all 13 OCTs.

Members participated in:

• Study visits to Brussels.
• Networking activities.
• Policy discussions.
• Cultural exchanges.

A major achievement was the presentation of:

• A Youth Declaration.
• A photo exhibition.
• A video exhibition.

These showcased the importance of cultural diversity and stronger exchanges between the OCTs and the European Union during the OCT-EU Forum held in Brussels in February 2024.

Third Edition (2024–2025)

The third cohort continued expanding the Network’s impact.

Highlights included:

• Structured dialogue with Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for OCT matters.
• Participation in the Climate Finance Forum in Brussels.
• Attendance at the European Youth Event in Strasbourg.
• Representation at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.

These experiences demonstrated the growing influence of OCT youth within international discussions.

Why the European Union Created the OCT Youth Network

The initiative reflects the European Union’s increasing commitment to youth participation in global development.

It aligns closely with the Youth Action Plan in EU External Action, adopted in October 2022.

The Action Plan recognizes young people as key partners in building:

• Democratic societies.
• Inclusive communities.
• Peaceful societies.
• Sustainable development.
• Strong international partnerships.

The OCT Youth Network is one practical way the European Union is turning this commitment into action.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official European Commission application process.

Interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and complete the application before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate:

• Leadership potential.
• Motivation.
• Interest in international cooperation.
• Commitment to representing young people from their territory.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to the OCT-EU Partnership.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline

30 August 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Late applications are not expected to be considered.

Why You Should Apply

The OCT Youth Network is much more than a youth programme—it is a gateway to international leadership, diplomacy, policymaking, and global collaboration.

Participants gain unique access to European institutions, engage directly with policymakers, represent young people from their territories, and build lasting international friendships while contributing meaningfully to the future of the OCT-EU Partnership.

For young people seeking to develop leadership skills, expand their international network, and play an active role in shaping youth engagement between the European Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories, this programme offers an exceptional platform for personal and professional growth.

Visit HERE to learn more about the European Commission OCT Youth Network 2026–2027

Conclusion

The European Commission’s 2026–2027 Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network presents an outstanding opportunity for ambitious young leaders from the 13 Overseas Countries and Territories associated with the European Union. Through a comprehensive one-year programme featuring study visits, online learning, policy engagement, international networking, and participation in prestigious global events, selected participants will gain invaluable knowledge, leadership experience, and lifelong professional connections. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are passionate about representing your community while contributing to the future of the OCT-EU Partnership, this is an opportunity not to miss.

Application Deadline: 30 August 2026 (23:59 CEST)

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