19-23.10.2026 Annual Training and Professional Development Seminar of the Italian Eurodesk National Network

This year once again, the annual coordination, information, training and professional development meeting of the Italian Eurodesk National Network took place. As always, Eurodesk - Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice participated, represented by its coordinator, Francesca Vianello.

The meeting is being held in Alghero, Sardinia, from 19 to 23 October 2026, thanks to the contribution of the Municipality of Alghero and the support of the local Eurodesk Centre of the city.

The seminars of the Italian Eurodesk National Network have always been characterized by their commitment to providing continuous training for operators working at local Eurodesk centres throughout Italy, while also offering an opportunity to assess the impact of their work. They also serve as a valuable occasion to explore specific topics in greater depth and to strengthen professional connections within the network. Over the years, the annual seminars have represented an important opportunity for mutual learning, exchange of experiences, and the planning of joint activities with those responsible for the actions of the European programme Erasmus+, as well as with representatives of the Italian National Agencies managing the programme and other national and regional organisations with which Eurodesk collaborates.

The Annual Training and Professional Development Seminar officially began on the afternoon of Monday, 19 October. Following the presentation of participants and the seminar programme, Eurodesk's strategic outlook and plans for 2027 in both Italy and Europe were introduced. At the end of the first day, certificates were awarded to Local Eurodesk Points celebrating 10 and 20 years of membership in the Eurodesk network. Recognition was also given to the Italian projects that achieved the highest rankings among the non-winning entries in the Eurodesk Awards 2026. The Eurodesk Mobility Advisor 2027 plaques were then presented to local coordinators who successfully achieved the required professional development credits during 2026, including Francesca Vianello, coordinator of Eurodesk - Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice. "Eurodesk Mobility Advisor" is a European designation for qualified and trained local representatives within the Eurodesk network who provide information and guidance on youth mobility opportunities. In addition, Eurodesk – Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice received a special award for the number of events organised as part of the Eurodesk Time to Move 2026 campaign: a Europe-wide initiative coordinated by the Eurodesk network, featuring both online and in-person events held each year around October to promote mobility opportunities for young people across Europe.

Tuesday, 20 October was dedicated to an activity involving Eurodesk representatives aimed at developing the Eurodesk handbook on how to guide young people towards mobility opportunities and support them in their personal and professional development journeys. The handbook was conceived as a dynamic and evolving document, designed not only to provide practical information but also to inspire young people to take part in mobility experiences by highlighting personal stories, the benefits of international experiences, and the growth opportunities they can offer. In addition, during the morning session, several European Quality Labels were awarded in recognition of excellence and commitment in the implementation of youth mobility and information activities across the network.

Wednesday, 21 October was marked by a public event entitled “Youth Work and Youth Information Work – Connecting Ideas and Creating Opportunities to Innovate European Youth Information”. The event provided an important opportunity for discussion and reflection on the strategic role of regional authorities in promoting and supporting youth information systems through territorial policies, cooperation networks, and local services capable of responding to young people's needs, aspirations, and opportunities. The meeting also created a space for dialogue among institutions, youth workers, and local authorities, with the aim of addressing the current challenges of youth information services and exploring common strategies to strengthen youth participation, active citizenship, European mobility, guidance services, and social inclusion for younger generations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            During the afternoon session, the Italian Youth Agency (Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù) led a workshop focused on training and professional development resources designed to support the role of the Youth Information Worker. Subsequently, INAPP (the Erasmus+ National Agency for Vocational Education and Training) and INDIRE (the Erasmus+ National Agency for Higher Education, School Education, and Adult Learning) provided participants with updates on activities carried out across the country, emerging information needs, and potential areas for future collaboration.

Thursday, 22 October provided an opportunity to learn from the experiences of the Eurodesk Centres that had distinguished themselves through outstanding initiatives and projects supporting young people. The programme also dedicated significant time to evaluation activities, reflections, and in-depth discussions on the work carried out throughout the year.

Friday, 23 October brought the Annual Training and Professional Development Seminar to a close with a session led by the Eurodesk National Coordination Team, dedicated to presenting European opportunities for secondary school students. The session featured an overview of the Erasmus+ Programme, the European Solidarity Corps, as well as other opportunities for internships, traineeships and employment abroad. Participants were also introduced to the Sardinia Youth Card (Carta Giovani Sardegna) and the benefits it offers to young people.