In the European region, there are 99 million adolescents (aged 10-19), accounting for 14% of the population. Overall, the health of young people in the EU countries is better than it has ever been. However, sexually transmitted infections in Europe are a major public health concern, with untreated STIs potentially leading to serious short and long term consequences for individuals.Young people are a particularly vulnerable group in terms of their sexuality and personal development. Due in part to a negative perception of sexual education or a fear that it will encourage sexual activity, adolescents are often denied education, information or health services that would otherwise have helped them to make capable, informed choices. There is an urgent need to provide easily accessible education through both formal and informal channels and youth-friendly sexual health services.In the UK, teenage pregnancy rates remain comparatively higher than Western European countries, whilst sexually transmitted infections have continued to rise across the EU generally, with chlamydia being the widest spread. Whilst much has been done to curb the rising levels in countries such as Sweden, where children are taught about sexual health at a primary level, it is clear that a more comprehensive strategy is still required. Furthermore, key public health dangers posed by antimicrobial resistance, the facilitation of HIV transmission by STI co-infection and the growing burden on curative services make harmonisation of approaches to STI control across the EU an urgent priority.The European Commission’s policy aims to enhance public awareness of the risks of, support the prevention of and give guidance on the control of STIs. Furthermore, with the EU STI outbreak early warning and response system already in existence, it is important to build on the progress made to date by improving the exchange of data and implementing new monitoring processes.This timely symposium provides an opportunity for local practitioners and stakeholders to gain a valuable insight into the vision for reducing teenage pregnancy and STI rates across Europe as a whole. Delegates from all sectors will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices in improving sexual health education and training and explore new approaches to develop a holistic framework for sex and relationship education to improve outcomes for all young people in Europe.