In 1998, partners in the Euroregion - the triangle between the cities of Aachen (Germany), Li?ge (Belgium) and Maastricht (The Netherlands) - took up the idea of establishing a cross-border network for youth work.

For this purpose a foundation was created to develop a Euroregional youth education centre which led to the establishment of EFI , the Euregional Association for Youth Work.

The focus of EFI?s work were the topics of ?intercultural understanding?, ?facts about Europe? and ?young people?s participation?. It was a pioneering project in the true sense of the word being the first of its kind to drive cross-border networking. With the network for youth work established, EFI and its partners strengthened the socio-cultural pillar of cross-border co-operation in the Euroregion. Among other things, this laid the foundations for the development of a unique trans-border regional identity within Western Europe.

In 2000, it was no longer possible to secure funding for the EFI either from the European Union or from the region of North Rhine Westphalia and so the EFI office was dissolved. In 2004, Mosaica was founded with the aim of taking up the EFI concept and extending it throughout Europe. Since then, whilst retaining many elements of classic youth work for which EFI was renowned, Mosaica has developed further to provide experiential learning for students, to complement the school curriculum.

Recreation and education are interlinked to suit the target group. Thus, for young people, project days, project weeks and themed trips can become an opportunity for Euroregional and international encounters.