EYFA is a network that consists of individuals, collectives and organisations from all around Europe. There are no membership rules or fees required to join the EYFA network – EYFA is open to all current grassroots and alternative youth movements focusing on environmental, social justice and alternative economics and related issues.

The EYFA network is primarily used to share information, skills and resources. It connects groups working on similar topics around Europe, and groups wanting to share experiences or gain training from one another. The network acts as a way to connect local issues and struggles transnationally. In particular, the network works to connect groups in east and west Europe, building solidarity amongst different regions.

The EYFA Network has two permanent working groups, Network Strategy and East-West, which help the international office in Amsterdam identify the needs of groups in the network and decide where and on what issues upcoming gatherings should focus. This ensures that EYFA consistently works towards its aims of capacity building, participatory processes and East-West networking. For each EYFA project a temporary working group is also created to support the logistics and develop the content of the project. Sometimes these groups continue working together after the project's completion.

Typically, the network has one or two meetings each year where the priorities and strategy of the network are decided upon and projects and activities are developed. Between meetings, members can stay stay in touch via mailing lists and online meetings. Like all EYFA meetings, decisions are made on a consensus basis.

EYFA has one international office, located in Amsterdam. The office coordinates EYFA's activities, including administrative and financial tasks, as well as the communication functions of the network. This includes producing the EYFA newsletter, acting as an information point for organisations in the network and as a communication liaison between local and international projects.

The office is organised collectively and non-hierarchically, meaning that all staff and volunteers are expected to take an equal role in day-to-day tasks and decision-making processes. From watering the plants to writing applications, tasks are shared and rotated amongst all of those in the office.

The office also acts as a 'training ground' for young people to develop various skills, such as project coordination, fundraising and bookkeeping. EYFA does not require office staff to arrive already equipped with all the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out their tasks. Rather, the goal is to be a place where young people can work to develop skills in a supportive environment, learning-by-doing. It is normal for staff and volunteers to work in the office for 1-3 years, before moving on to share their new skills with other groups and projects.

The 'Advisory Board' oversees the work of the office. The Board provides support and advice to the office – particularly in terms of strategy and finances.

Currently, there are three Board members, two of whom used to be part of the office team. In both the office and the Board, effort is made to maintain balanced representation amongst the different corners of Europe.