YOUth and democracy: empowering EUrope's next generation
Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV)
Call: CERV-2023-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT
Project: 101138763 — EU4YOUth
EVENT II: Veliko Turnovo (BULGARIA)
EVENT IV: Figueira Da Foz (PORTUGAL)
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"YOUth and democracy: empowering Europe's next generation" is a project of the Cities Network, framed in the CERV program. The promoter will be the City Council of Santa Comba, Spain, whose collaboration with 18 other countries of the European Union, will have as its main objective to
offer citizens the opportunity to express the type of Europe they want in the medium and long term. Investigate and promote measures to increase citizen and youth participation in the 2024 European Elections.
The main characteristic of this project is its strong transnational dimension, because thanks to the participation of 19 countries and 20 partners, a great impact will be generated in the participating territories:
Spain, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Portugal, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Poland, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Romania, and Finland.
For 18 months, the citizens of these territories will participate on equal terms, by holding 6 events in 6 different countries.
Workshops for reflection, seminars, debates on issues of concern, round tables, conferences with experts and political representatives, exchanges of good practices, visits to public, social and cultural entities, citizen forums...
We will also hold meetings with volunteers. , public exhibitions and documentary projections with the aim of raising public awareness about values such as the multiculturalism of European citizenship, and the benefits of understanding and tolerance to feel like one's own the EU.
The project is expected to have a highly significant impact at all levels, not only in the participating municipalities but also at the European level through the dissemination of the results.
We predict the direct participation of more than 350 participants, until reaching the minimum of 5,000 participants indirectly.
🌍✨ Empowering Europe's Next Generation ✨🌍
The first event of the "YOUth and democracy" project was kicked off in A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela, Spain, from February 1st to 2nd!
Join us in shaping the Europe you want for the future. This project, led by the City Council of Santa Comba with partners across 18 EU countries, aims to boost citizen and youth engagement for the 2024 European Elections.
📅 Feb 1-2, 2024
ONE TERRENE INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATED IN THE I EVENT OF THE NETWORK OF TOWNS “YOUTH AND DEMOCRACY: EMPOWERING EU NEXT GENERATIONS”
The first meeting of the project entitled “Youth and democracy: Empowering EU next generations” was celebrated in Santa Comba (Galicia) from the 1st to the 4th of February.
The project, funded by the European Commission through the CERV program, gathered more than 90 direct participants including young people from Santa Comba who actively introduced Galicia and their local town to the 38 international participants.
During the program of activities, the different participants had time to introduce their realities, speak about European issues such as the upcoming European elections, getting to know European services like Europe Direct. There was time to hold meetings with local politicians and visit democratic institutions such as the Provincial government of A Coruña.
This promoter is the Municipality of Santa Comba (Spain) who organized a symbolic town twinning between the 19 partners and 18 participant countries. Representatives from each entity signed a brotherhood oath to respect and promote European values such as democracy, tolerance or peace.
Next September, a new event will be held in Sofia (Bulgaria) and will focus on the analysis of the results of the European elections. Furthermore, there will be time to reflect about the challenges that the new European government must address to improve the quality of life of its citizens at local level.
These projects are a very important opportunity to promote European citizenship at local level, involving and engaging citizens from different areas, specially young people.
We have attended the 2nd Event of the "Youth & Democracy: Empowering EUrope's Next Generation" #CERV #project that was held between 9 - 12 of September in #velikoturnovo city. The ancient capital of #Bulgaria.
Representing #Cyprus and along with 17 other EU countries we celebrated the voices of young people and how to engage in #youthparticipation with good examples of #youthempowrement .
📢🌍 Event Highlight: YOUth & Democracy in Malta 🌟🇪🇺
From December 9th to 12th, 2024, Rabat, Malta, became the hub of youth empowerment and democratic engagement as part of the YOUth and Democracy: Empowering EUrope's Next Generation project! 🎉✨ Delegates from 18 EU countries gathered to discuss youth participation in politics, exchange ideas, and explore innovative ways to shape Europe's future.
Key moments included:
✅ Inspiring talks from political leaders and youth advocates.
✅ Debates on increasing youth participation in the 2024 European Elections.
✅ Cultural and festive experiences at Rabat's Christmas Market and the historic city of Mdina.
This event was a true celebration of multiculturalism, collaboration, and the vibrant spirit of European youth. 🙌💡
Stay tuned for the next gathering in Portugal!
EVENT IV: Figueira Da Foz (PORTUGAL)
✨ How Do I Vote? | EU4YOUth Event in Portugal 🇵🇹
From February 2–5, 2025, nearly 100 participants from 18 countries gathered in Figueira da Foz to explore youth participation in democracy. 🗳️🌍
Workshops, debates, cultural visits, and high-level discussions with European leaders empowered young voices to shape the future of Europe. 💬🤝
From 2–5 February 2025, the coastal city of Figueira da Foz hosted an inspiring gathering of 97 participants from 18 countries — all united to strengthen youth participation in democracy. 🌍🗳️
🔹 Debate with policymakers on first-time voters
🔹 Cultural visits to Paiao, the Salt Museum & local markets
🔹 Keynote speech by MEP Ana Catarina Mendes
🔹 Youth-led presentations and international exchanges
🔹 Strong messages on lowering voting age & youth councils
A powerful step towards a more inclusive and youth-driven Europe. 💪
EVENT SHEET
📢🌍 Event Highlight: YOUth & Democracy in Hungary
From April 23rd to 26th, 2025, Pásztó, Hungary, became a dynamic meeting point for youth empowerment and democratic engagement as part of the YOUth and Democracy: Empowering Europe’s Next Generation – EU4YOUth project! 🎉✨ Participants from 18 EU countries gathered to explore how young people can help shape the future of European democracy—especially around the 2024 EU Elections.
Key moments included:
✅ Engaging workshops on key electoral issues for young voters, led by local students.
✅ A special conference with the National Youth Council of Hungary on digital tools and active participation.
✅ Visits to the Hungarian Parliament and cultural landmarks in the Nógrád region.
✅ Lively networking dinners and cross-cultural exchanges.
This event highlighted how digital platforms, youth councils, and civic education can bring European democracy closer to its youngest citizens. 🙌💡
Stay tuned for the next and final gathering in Croatia!
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📢🌍 Event Highlight: YOUth & Democracy in Croatia 🇭🇷🇪🇺
From May 28th to 31st, 2025, the beautiful town of Medulin, Croatia, welcomed participants from across Europe for the final event of the YOUth and Democracy: Empowering Europe’s Next Generation – EU4YOUth project! 🎉✨ Delegations from 18 partner countries came together to reflect on the journey of the project, share outcomes, and chart new ways forward for youth engagement in European democracy.
Key moments included:
✅ Final reflections on youth participation and lessons learned from the entire project cycle.
✅ Interactive workshops and group discussions on the role of young citizens in shaping the EU’s democratic future.
✅ Networking among partners to foster future collaborations.
✅ Cultural exploration of Medulin’s coastal heritage and vibrant community life.
This inspiring conclusion marked a celebration of European youth voice, participation, and transnational cooperation—proving that when young people connect, democracy grows stronger! 🙌💡
Stay tuned for what’s next... will the story continue? 🚀
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only
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