Over the course of EYFA's existence the network has focused its energy on a wide variety of projects all across Europe. Out of these projects patterns have emerged that point to some of EYFA's priorities. Developed by the network, office and Board, and re-evaluated each year at network strategy meetings, these priorities provide focus for EYFA's work. While we prioritise these two areas, we continue to offer support to groups whose work does not fall into one of these categories.

Environmental Justice

EYFA's environmental justice perspective is based on the understanding that most environmental problems are also a question of social and economic injustice. Socially sustainable and just communities go hand in hand with environmentally sound ways of living. EYFA's many climate justice, energy and environmental projects have aimed to draw the links between economic growth-obsession and the exploitation and destruction of our natural and human environment as well as excluding large populations from access to resources.

Exclusion

Social, cultural, institutional or individual beliefs and practices exist which privilege some human beings and exclude, by subordination and oppression others, based on attributes of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class or caste, among many other distinctions. EYFA believes that social and economic exclusion are tied into histories of patriarchy, colonialism and imperialism, as well as profit and power. These experiences have at times given rise to equally oppressive and excluding practices and policies. If we are to create a world free from hierarchy, exploitation and oppression that instead respects the autonomy and dignity of all human beings, the way these forces interact must be recognised and addressed. With our focus on supporting Eastern European groups, our current work includes many groups working to tackle issues of institutional exclusion, gender inequality, fascism, nationalism, racism and homophobia.