Articles
Articles the project
Article 1
Kick-Off Meeting in Bucharest, Romania – Laying the Foundation for Youth Engagement
The Kick-Off Meeting of the YEA Erasmus+ project was successfully held in Bucharest, Romania, on 12th and 13th of June 2023, bringing together representatives from all participating organizations. This initial gathering was crucial in setting the foundation for the project’s two-year journey, ensuring a shared understanding of objectives, expectations, and roles.
Over the course of the meeting, partners delved into the work plan, project methodology, and key milestones that would shape the YEA initiative. Discussions revolved around strategies for engaging young people in democratic participation, the development of the Youth Engagement Academy digital platform, and methods for fostering transnational cooperation.
Beyond the administrative and technical discussions, the meeting also provided an opportunity for team-building, helping partners establish strong collaborative relationships. The energy and enthusiasm from this first meeting set a positive tone for the project’s upcoming activities, reinforcing a shared vision for empowering youth participation in European policy-making
Article 2
Transnational Training Activity – Empowering Change Makers
On September 12-13, 2023, LUMEN successfully organized a Transnational Training Activity as part of the Youth Engagement Academy (YEA) project. This dynamic training session brought together partners and young participants from partner countries, all united by a common goal: to empower youth as active changemakers in their communities and beyond.
With a strong emphasis on civic participation and engagement in the European Union, the training aimed to mentor and inspire young individuals to take initiative, influence policies, and drive positive change in their local environments. The sessions provided a hands-on learning experience, equipping participants with the skills and motivation necessary to become advocates for youth participation in democratic life.
One of the most valuable aspects of the training was the network-building opportunity it provided. Participants from different backgrounds connected, exchanged ideas, and established partnerships for future initiatives. By the end of the event, they had not only gained new knowledge but also formed a strong network of motivated young leaders, committed to making a lasting impact on their communities and within the EU.
The Transnational Training Activity proved to be a powerful step forward in the YEA project’s mission to foster active youth participation in European democracy. With the insights gained, these young changemakers are now better equipped to take action, inspire their peers, and shape the future of civic engagement in Europe.
Article 3
Article 4
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Article 5
Dialogue of youth representatives of youth councils and decision makers
From November 1-4, 2023, a landmark debate and discussion took place in Sweden, bringing together youth representatives from various youth councils across Europe and decision-makers. This two-day forum provided a unique opportunity for young leaders to engage in direct dialogue with policymakers, ensuring that youth voices are not only heard but actively integrated into policy-making processes.
One of the highlights of the event was the workshops led by youth council members and youth workers, where participants shared best practices, challenges, and solutions for enhancing youth engagement in political processes. These sessions fostered peer learning and collaboration, equipping attendees with tools to strengthen their respective youth councils.
By the end of the event, participants left empowered and inspired, armed with new strategies to ensure that youth perspectives are actively considered in European decision-making. This dialogue was a testament to the commitment of young people to shaping the policies that impact their future—a vital step toward a more democratic and youth-inclusive Europe.
Article 6
Youth Lab in Bucharest
The Youth Lab in Bucharest, which took place on 09-12.11.2023, emerged as a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering young people to engage in policy-making, civic participation, and democratic dialogue. As part of the Youth Engagement Academy (YEA) project, the Youth Lab brought together young changemakers, policymakers, and experts to exchange ideas, develop critical thinking, and build strategies for stronger youth representation in European governance.
Youth Lab was not just about discussions, it was about action. Young participants were encouraged to develop concrete initiatives and policy proposals, which were later presented to decision-makers. These proposals aimed to enhance youth involvement in governance, address pressing social issues, and create more inclusive policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of young people.
Youth Lab was more than a one-time event—it was a catalyst for long-term engagement. By connecting young people with decision-makers, institutions, and fellow youth leaders, the initiative laid the groundwork for sustained collaboration and policy influence.
The insights and strategies developed during the Lab will continue to shape youth participation efforts across Europe, ensuring that young voices play a central role in the democratic process.
Article 7
Interim Meeting in Ajaccio, France
The Interim Meeting took place in Ajaccio, France, on 09-10.04.2024 serving as a pivotal moment for reflection and assessment of the project’s first-year progress. Representatives from all partner organizations gathered to discuss the implementation of activities, review challenges encountered, and refine strategies for the final stages of the project.
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of initial feedback from young participants engaged in the Youth Engagement Academy platform. Partners shared experiences from their respective countries, analyzing youth participation trends and policy engagement strategies. The discussions centered on how to optimize the project’s reach, increase engagement, and ensure that young people across Europe had access to meaningful participation opportunities.
The meeting also included working sessions on thematic workshops, local dissemination efforts, and upcoming events. Partners agreed on necessary adjustments to enhance the impact of the Youth Engagement Academy, ensuring that the platform remained relevant and practical for young changemakers.
Article 8
Final Meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece
The Final Meeting was hosted in Thessaloniki, Greece, n October 14-15, 2024, bringing together project partners to evaluate the overall success of the YEA project. With the end of the project in sight, this meeting was dedicated to reviewing accomplishments, identifying lessons learned, and discussing future sustainability plans.
A key topic of discussion was the long-term impact of the Youth Engagement Academy and how partners could continue fostering youth participation in policy-making beyond the project’s official duration. The consortium also assessed the effectiveness of the various workshops, training sessions, and engagement activities held over the two years.
Partners collaborated on finalizing dissemination strategies, ensuring that the resources, tools, and insights developed through YEA would continue to benefit young people and organizations across Europe. This meeting was not just about closing the project but about securing its legacy, ensuring that the engagement mechanisms created through YEA would have a lasting influence on democratic participation and civic engagement.
Article 9
Final Thematic Testing Workshop of YEA
From October 16-20, 2024, Thessaloniki hosted the 9th and final thematic testing workshop of YEA, bringing together 24 participants (three from each partner organization). This workshop marked the culmination of a series of nine testing sessions, each organized at the local level by project partners to evaluate the program’s thematic modules and assessment processes.
At the transnational level, the Thessaloniki workshop provided a unique opportunity for participants to assess the overall implementation of the Academy and to examine, in real time, its impact on youth participation and social innovation.
Deepening Understanding and Strengthening Youth Engagement
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the program’s thematic content, focusing on both the challenges and opportunities arising from youth participation in policy reforms at the local and European levels.
A highlight of the workshop was the roundtable discussions, which fostered a participatory approach and structured dialogue with public authorities. These discussions created a collaborative space where young people could analyze key social issues, linking their local community concerns to broader European policies.
Article 10
Final Debate Conference in Bucharest: A Celebration of Youth Participation
The Final Debate Conference in Bucharest marked a powerful conclusion to the Youth Engagement Academy (YEA) project, bringing together over 120 young leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of youth participation in European governance. Held in the heart of Romania’s capital, this event was a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and advocating for greater inclusion of youth in decision-making processes.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions about the role of young people in shaping EU policies and democratic initiatives. These conversations underscored the importance of ensuring that youth voices are not just heard but actively integrated into policy development at local, national, and European levels. Decision-makers and youth representatives shared insights on how to create more accessible and transparent avenues for young citizens to engage with political institutions.
The event also featured youth-led workshops, where young changemakers took center stage to share their experiences, insights, and innovative approaches to political participation. These interactive sessions allowed attendees to explore practical ways to amplify youth voices, strengthen youth organizations, and enhance civic engagement. Through hands-on activities and structured dialogue, participants developed new strategies to increase the impact and visibility of youth-driven initiatives across Europe.
Collaboration was a key theme of the conference, with participants working together to propose innovative methods for strengthening democracy and youth participation in EU policies. The exchange of diverse perspectives from different countries and backgrounds fueled a collective vision for a more inclusive and participatory Europe. Attendees left the event with new partnerships, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to advocating for youth engagement in decision-making processes.
