Women cooking healthy foods together
Global Reach

Europe and the Middle East

Map of countries in Europe

Countries In This Region

Overview

Across the Europe and Middle East region, 2.85 million people under the age of 25 are out of work. For more than 30 years, United Way has partnered with communities across nine countries to help change this trajectory by helping thousands of young people complete their education and build the skills and confidence to thrive in the job market. Local United Ways are mobilizing businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and governments to expand these efforts and support young people as they prepare for and enter the workforce.

Europe and the Middle East Impact

We create opportunities for change in Europe and the Middle East.

500K

individuals supported across Europe and the Middle East

155K

youth provided with mentorship, education, and career readiness support

40K+

volunteering hours collaborating with corporate partners

Stories Across Europe and the Middle East

John Deere-United Way program participant, Ilyes.
Impact Stories

United Way and John Deere Join Forces to Support Youth Opportunity

John Deere and United Way partner globally to fight hunger and expand youth education, from France to Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., through mentorship and community service.
Young adults sitting in a support circle of peers
Impact Story

Supporting Youth Success in Hungary, Romania, and Spain

Helping youth unlock potential and build brighter futures through education and opportunity.

Angela F. Williams at One Young World in 2024
Press Release

One Young World and United Way Worldwide partner to equip young leaders driving global community impact

United Way and One Young World join forces to empower young leaders and drive global change through collaboration and shared purpose.
Impact Stories

Cycling for Mental Health: August's Story

After the suicide of a close friend, 17-year-old August Bent cycled around The Netherlands to elevate the issue and raise money for mental health. As he went through the grieving process, he realized his bicycle was a way to support others who were struggling with depression. 
Youth on playing field
Impact Stories

Coaching Youth To Success

Called Alliance Pour l'Education (Alliance for Education)-United Way, the organization is building a coalition of employers, educators, government, NGOs, and philanthropists to serve young people in working-class neighborhoods.
Impact Stories

Boosting Childhood Literacy

That’s why United Way started its Reading Oasis program, to address early childhood literacy challenges and give more children the opportunity to develop a love for reading. This positively affects children's ability and potential throughout school and beyond.

4.5K

children across the UK served through The Reading Oasis

United Way UK’s Reading Oasis installs libraries in underserved schools and provides books for children to take home. The initiative has reached 4,500+ kids across 20+ schools. At Nightingale Primary, reading proficiency jumped from 60% to 93%, fostering lifelong literacy and opportunity.

How You Can Help

Take the next step to support thriving communities. Your gift now or in the future, or the gift of your time, are valuable contributions to our shared mission.