Ecologics strongly corresponds to the Youth Participation & Democracy category by placing young people at the centre of sustainability-related decision-making processes at local level. Rather than being passive recipients of information, participants were empowered as active contributors who analysed real environmental challenges and proposed concrete solutions in cooperation with local authorities, universities, civil society organisations and industry representatives.

Throughout the project, young people engaged in participatory processes that mirror democratic practices: they identified problems related to carbon emissions, water consumption and waste management in real industrial contexts; worked collaboratively in teams; discussed priorities with stakeholders; and presented their proposals publicly during the final event. This structure allowed young people to experience how evidence-based dialogue, collective problem-solving and transparent evaluation function in practice.

Ecologics also strengthened young people’s understanding of active citizenship by linking environmental responsibility with civic engagement. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how sustainability policies, climate regulations and local governance decisions affect their communities, and how youth voices can influence these processes. By interacting directly with decision-makers and experts, young people gained confidence, agency and practical experience in contributing to solutions that matter for their region.

In this way, Ecologics went beyond awareness-raising and created a participatory framework in which young people exercised democratic skills, contributed to local sustainability discussions, and experienced their role as active citizens shaping the green transition.