The federation is a founding member and the youth organisation of the European Pirate Party (EPP).

It is independent of the EPP, and it includes both Pirate and non-Pirate-affiliated[clarification needed] member organisations.

Starting from 2018, the "main goal of YPE" was defined as "bring[ing] together European pirate youth organisations and other youth organisations that work on digital issues and for transparency in government, participating democracy and civil rights as well as their members, improving not only the coordination of their political work, but also supporting cultural and personal exchange"; and member organisations no longer had to be affiliated with the Pirate Party in their home country as long as they support the policy goals of YPE.

The same year, Jeunes Pirates' (France) membership was deemed to have lapsed due to their continued non-existence, and they were expelled from the organisation.

The President represents the Young Pirates of Europe in the public and takes care of the regular board meetings.