The European Pub Quiz was a series of seven creative, game-based events designed to raise awareness of European opportunities among young people in an engaging and out-of-the-box way. The project was organised by Europe Direct Brno & Eurocentrum Brno (Eurodesk multipliers), with the active involvement of youth volunteers from Mladiinfo ČR, an NGO sending young people to youth exchanges and volunteering activities under Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, ensuring a strong peer-to-peer and partly youth-led approach. The main objective was to inform and motivate young people to explore European mobility, learning, and participation opportunities such as Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and DiscoverEU, while strengthening their interest in EU topics and active citizenship beyond formal educational settings. The primary target group consisted of university students and young people aged 18–30, with each quiz welcoming an average of 56 participants competing in teams of 2–6 members, resulting in a total reach of 395 young people. Each quiz took place in a centrally located venue accessible by public transport and consisted of five thematic rounds and one bonus question, combining learning, competition, and teamwork. The rounds explicitly included questions on Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and DiscoverEU, alongside EU geography and landmarks, European personalities, Eurovision songs, and traditional recipes, with one round always dedicated to the current Presidency of the Council of the EU. In each quiz, one team won the main prize and one team won the bonus question; all prizes were thematic Eurodesk promotional items, reinforcing Eurodesk visibility both on site and through post-event communication. Green principles were integrated by prioritising digital materials and minimising travel. Through gamification, social interaction, and peer learning, the project achieved a strong impact in informing young people about European opportunities and encouraging active European citizenship.
European Pub Quizzes
What is it about?
How is this project relevant to the specific category?
The European Pub Quizzes transformed information about the EU and youth opportunities into an interactive, social, and game-based learning experience that goes far beyond traditional information sessions. Instead of using lectures or formal presentations, the project applied an out-of-the-box approach by embedding youth information directly into a popular leisure activity, a pub quiz, which naturally attracts young people and lowers barriers to participation. By meeting young people in a familiar and informal environment, the project successfully reached students who might not actively seek out information about the EU and its opportunities on their own.
Each quiz was structured into five thematic rounds and a bonus question, combining knowledge, teamwork, and competition. Topics such as Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, DiscoverEU, and the current Presidency of the Council of the EU were presented alongside lighter themes like Eurovision or European cuisine, ensuring that learning was engaging, accessible, and memorable. This gamified format enabled participants to absorb complex information about European programmes in a playful way, reinforcing learning through repetition and peer discussion within teams.
The project relied heavily on interactive and game-based learning methods, with participants actively solving questions, debating answers, and learning from each other rather than passively receiving information. The involvement of youth volunteers from Mladiinfo ČR, who contributed to content creation and shared their own mobility experiences, added a strong peer-to-peer dimension and authenticity, further enhancing engagement. Motivation was increased through friendly competition, with main and bonus prizes awarded at each quiz, reinforcing positive associations with Eurodesk and European opportunities.
Overall, the European Pub Quizzes demonstrated how creative youth information can be delivered effectively by combining gamification, informal learning spaces, and youth-led elements. The project clearly shows that innovative, interactive formats can significantly improve young people’s awareness of European opportunities while making youth information both attractive and relevant.
What was the impact of the project?
The European Pub Quizzes had a strong and measurable impact on young people by reaching them in an informal, accessible setting and presenting European opportunities in a way that felt relevant, social, and engaging. The events were open to the public, allowing anyone to attend, mainly youth who lack clear understanding of how to apply or where to find reliable information. The quiz format naturally addressed these gaps, combining practical information with discussion, teamwork, and real-life examples.
Through seven quiz events, we directly reached 395 young people who actively engaged with questions on European programmes and institutions. Six quizzes were conducted in Czech, attended by the public and students, while one special quiz was held in English and brought together students from Czech and Belgian universities, creating an intercultural meeting that encouraged dialogue, mutual learning, and new connections. Teachers from high schools and universities with which we cooperate also participated in all quizzes, ensuring broader dissemination of information and reinforcing the relevance of European mobility and volunteering for both students and educators.
Youth volunteers from Mladiinfo ČR shared their personal international experiences, making participation abroad feel achievable and concrete. Peer-to-peer communication and informal discussions with organisers allowed participants to ask follow-up questions and explore opportunities in depth, increasing confidence in seeking further guidance from the Eurodesk network.
Beyond individual participants, the project strengthened cooperation between local youth organisations, European information centres, and city-centre venues, creating a more visible youth information ecosystem in Brno. By embedding European topics into a popular social activity, the European Pub Quizzes demonstrated that youth information can be educational, inclusive, and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring young people to consider European opportunities as a natural part of their life choices.
Did the project have any green focus?
All Quizzes were held in a central location easily accessible by public transport, encouraging participants to travel sustainably and keeping the events local. We prioritised digital promotion through social media and online channels. Information about Eurodesk and European opportunities was mainly shared digitally or through QR codes, reducing paper consumption.
We dedicated a specific round of our Quiz to climate change, environmental policies, and the European Green Deal.
Paper use was managed responsibly: while registration was digital where possible, any necessary printed answer sheets were printed double-sided and collected for internal reuse in other creative workshops or fully recycled. Eurodesk brochures were available in limited quantities, ensuring they were taken only by interested participants. Prizes consisted of durable promotional items designed for long-term use rather than disposable materials. The project demonstrated that engaging youth events can be organised in an environmentally responsible way while remaining attractive and impactful.
How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?
Eurodesk’s visibility was ensured before, during, and after the project. Prior to each quiz, the Eurodesk logo was included in event announcements. During the events, Eurodesk was presented as a key source of information on European opportunities, including Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and DiscoverEU, and was featured in the presentation used during the quizzes. Eurodesk brochures and leaflets were available on site. In addition, all main and bonus prizes consisted of thematic Eurodesk promotional items, reinforcing brand recognition.
