Youth4Europe

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Organisation

E35 Foundation for international projects

Country

Italy

WEBSITE

https://www.instagram.com/fondazione_e35/

Project link

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DEZ_mUpPV3_Ay2TF3DyoujvqGC0bY2v4?usp=sharing

General Overview

The Youth4Europe project, designed by young people for young people, aims to promote European citizenship, active participation, and awareness among youth in the Province of Reggio Emilia, focusing on the 2024 EU elections. The goal is to increase knowledge of EU institutions, encourage critical reflection on European policies, and foster youth engagement in democratic life.

Phase 1: Training and Informing Youth

A youth survey to identify knowledge gaps and shape the project based on real needs.
Workshops and training sessions in high schools, featuring discussions with experts.
A gamified learning event: a treasure hunt on EU-related topics.

Phase 2: Youth-led Initiatives

Young participants took the lead, bringing discussions about Europe to informal and everyday spaces.
Podcast series on EU topics.
Interviews with journalists to provide expert insights on European matters.
Direct engagement with the local community, visiting the city market to interview passersby and organising an interactive game on Europe.
Public interactive events, such as TED-style talks and discussions in markets, cultural venues, and libraries.

The Eurodesk Agency of Reggio Emilia is promoted by E35 Foundation and the Youth Department of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia. As a promoter of the project, the Eurodesk Agency played a fundamental role in organising and supporting the activities. The Eurodesk Agency provided young people with resources and opportunities for European mobility, fostering engagement and strengthening international connections. Discussions on EU mobility took place not only during the events but were also mentioned in the digital content and public outreach initiatives. The active involvement of Eurodesk helped raise awareness among youth, encouraging them to explore and take advantage of the opportunities available at the European level. Additionally, the second-phase meetings were held at the Eurodesk Agency, further strengthening connections between young people and European mobility opportunities.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

How does this initiative (project, event, material) correspond to the thematic category

The Youth4Europe project aligns closely with the thematic category of Youth Participation and Democracy by actively involving young people in discussions about European citizenship, democratic engagement, and the importance of the 2024 European elections. The project was structured to empower youth as both learners and leaders, ensuring that they were not only informed about EU institutions and democratic processes but also had the opportunity to take an active role in shaping and sharing this knowledge.

In the first phase, the project focused on education and awareness-raising, with workshops in high schools (students in their final year), interactive learning activities, and a youth survey to assess knowledge gaps. These activities provided young people with a foundational understanding of European institutions, policies, and their rights as EU citizens, encouraging critical reflection on democracy and participation.

In the second phase, young participants became active agents of democratic engagement by leading initiatives that brought discussions about Europe into informal and public spaces. Through interviews with journalists, direct engagement with the local community at the city market, and interactive activities, they facilitated conversations on EU-related topics in ways that were accessible and engaging. The podcast series and public events, such as TED-style talks in bars, markets, and cultural venues, further amplified youth voices in discussions about democracy, making political topics more relatable and inclusive.

Additionally, the project strengthened connections with the Eurodesk network, ensuring that participants were aware of European mobility opportunities and ways to engage with EU programmes.

By combining education, direct engagement, and youth-led initiatives, Youth4Europe effectively fostered active citizenship and democratic participation, encouraging young people to take ownership of their role in shaping the future of Europe.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The project significantly impacted young people and the broader community by fostering awareness, engagement, and active participation in European democratic life. Through its two-phase structure, it not only informed young people about the EU but also empowered them to become active contributors to discussions on European citizenship and democracy.

In phase one, workshops and interactive activities helped increase students’ knowledge about European institutions and the importance of participation in democratic processes, particularly in the context of the 2024 European elections. The youth survey conducted allowed the project to adapt to young people’s real needs.

Phase two had a more profound community impact, as young participants took the lead in bringing European topics into everyday spaces. Through interviews with journalists and direct engagement with local citizens at the city market, young people facilitated conversations on European issues, making them more accessible. At the market, they used a game involving dice with questions related to the EU to raise awareness in a fun and interactive way. Each roll of the dice determined a question related to European topics, sparking lively discussions. This approach encouraged passers-by to get involved, offering them an opportunity to learn and share their opinions in a relaxed setting. The activity received positive feedback, with many citizens appreciating the engaging and informal format that made complex topics feel more approachable.

The podcast series and public discussions in informal settings (bars, libraries, and cultural spaces) helped reach a wider audience, breaking down barriers to civic engagement. The project strengthened connections between youth and the Eurodesk network, increasing awareness of mobility and participation opportunities within the EU. By equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and platforms for expression, Youth4Europe created a lasting impact, inspiring a new generation of active European citizens and fostering a culture of participation within the local community.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

Did your project have any green focus and/or did you implement any eco-friendly measures when organising it?

While the Youth4Europe project did not have a specific green focus, we implemented several eco-friendly measures to reduce our environmental impact. For instance, most of the project’s materials were digital (such as podcasts, social media content, and surveys), reducing the need for printed materials. Additionally, many of the public events and workshops were organised in local spaces such as city markets, libraries, and cultural venues, minimising the carbon footprint associated with travel. Moreover, during the first phase, we also discussed sustainability in our training sessions, emphasising how young people can contribute to environmental preservation and the sustainable development goals. This gave participants the opportunity to reflect on how sustainability connects with their roles as active citizens, integrating green practices into their daily lives and future civic engagement.