40th Anniversary of the European Youth Card in France

Exciting news from our member in France celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Card there!

The European Youth Card community is marking a major milestone as France celebrates 40 years of the programme that laid the foundations for today’s EYCA network.

To commemorate this anniversary, Jean-Paul Roumégas, current President of IJD France, sits down with his predecessor, Julian Villarroya Almenar, for a special interview reflecting on the journey of the initiative. Notably, Villarroya Almenar stands as the longest-serving active contributor to the European Youth Card movement in Europe, offering a unique perspective on its development and impact over the decades.

Their exchange traces the origins of the European Youth Card, first launched in France in the 1980s. What began as a national effort quickly grew into a pioneering model that inspired the creation of a broader European network, one that now connects millions of young people to opportunities in mobility, culture, education, and participation.

This 40-year celebration is more than an anniversary; it is a recognition of France’s key role in shaping a programme that continues to empower young people across Europe. It also highlights the importance of long-standing commitment, collaboration, and vision in building a network that remains relevant and impactful today.

As EYCA looks to the future, this milestone offers a moment to reflect on how far the programme has come and to reaffirm its mission to support the next generations of young Europeans with access, inclusion, and opportunity.

Find the full article (in French) following this link.