European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL)

Domains of activity: education, youth, volunteering.

Organisation formally established as a Non-governmental public body in Brussels, 1971.

Mission: To contribute to peace and justice in a diverse world threatened by inequity and intolerance, by promoting intercultural understanding and sensitivity among European countries, organisations and citizens.

Membership in other European networks: European Youth Forum (YFJ), SIETAR, UNESCO, NGO Liaison Committee to the Council of Europe.

Collaboration with organisations in other European countries: EFIL is the umbrella organisation of 22 European AFS organisations dealing with intercultural school exchanges. We are collaborating with our partners in those countries daily through organising activities, trainings, and representing them. We are able to meet and collaborate with other organisations active at the European level through participation in different platforms and forums, i.e. YFJ, through organising activities and events together and mostly through the shared interest and care for intercultural dialogue.

Interest/involvement in European and EU political matters: EFIL is doing political representation for its members through the YFJ, EFIL is lobbying on issues like: youth mobility, recognition of non-formal education and improving the legal environment for the existence of non-profit youth organisations.