The British Council is the UK's National Agency for the Youth in Action Programme. The Youth in Action Programme (2007-2013) is funded by the European Commission and provides young people with a variety of opportunities for non-formal and informal learning with a European dimension.

The Youth in Action programme gives young people an opportunity to experience other cultures and countries. These programmes range from group exchanges and youth initiatives to individual voluntary service. The programme also provides funding to help people working in the youth sector develop skills and establish contacts necessary to enhance their work. The Youth in Action programme is supported by funds from the  Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and the European Commission  (Education and Culture).

The objectives of the programme are, the promotion and development of young people’s active citizenship; solidarity and social cohesion; as well as the development and promotion of quality support systems and European-wide cooperation.

Specific programme priorities are:

European Citizenship

Participation of young people

Intercultural dialogue

Inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.

In addition to the above mentioned permenant priorties of the Youth in Action programme, each year the European Commission fix annual priorties.

For 2009 the priorties are:

• European Year of Creativity and Innovation
• Young people's active participation in the European Parliament elections
• Combating violence against women
• Sport as a tool to promote active citizenship and social inclusion of young people
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activities including sport
• Promoting the inclusion of young people with disabilities
• Promoting the inclusion of young people from a Roma background
• Awareness raising to global challenges (such as sustainable development and climate change)
• Young peoples involvment in the revision of the European framework of cooperation in the field of youth policy
• Intercultural dialogue.

The programme is divided into 5 Actions:

• Action 1 – Youth for Europe

• Action 2 – European Voluntary Service

• Action 3 – Youth in the World

• Action 4 – Youth Support Systems

• Action 5 – Support for European Cooperation