The project “Young Leaders United for Democracy” was implemented from 01.11.2022 to 30.09.2024

The project “Young Leaders United for Democracy” was implemented from 01.11.2022 to 30.09.2024.

The project’s aim was to support youth democratic and civic engagement while highlighting the importance of citizen involvement in European decision-making. The project also aimed to raise awareness and empower citizens to make informed choices.

By focusing on young people aged 12 to 26, the project has enhanced civic motivation and increased participation in the 2024 European Parliament elections, with many participants voting for the first time.

The main actions of the project were:

  1. Online PR & Advocacy Mentoring Programme for 140 young leaders across 7 partner countries

The Mentorship Programme sought to create Youth Consultative Councils for young leaders to improve their involvement in civic and democratic processes, and boost voter turnout in European Parliament elections. The programme featured online mentoring sessions and the European Young Leaders Debate, dedicated to youth engagement and civil participation in Europe. Participants from all partner countries (Romania, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, and Sweden) participated in the mentoring activities.

  1. EU-Matchmaking visits for the members of Young Leaders PR & Advocacy Mentoring Programme

The European study visits for members of the Young Leaders programme aimed to strengthen their European identity and highlight the importance of their representation in the European decision-making process. Additionally, media campaigns and events were organized to raise awareness of young people’s democratic rights. Participants who attended the online mentoring programme and seminars to develop their knowledge and skills had the opportunity to take part in the study visit.

  1. Joint EU-meeting regarding young people’s involvement in the decision-making process at the European level, targeting first-time voters in the 2024 European Parliament elections

This activity focused on national public consultations, which initiated the national photovoice competition addressing the fight against disinformation and national extremism in the partner countries. The finalists of the photovoice competition were invited to showcase their work at an online European Youth Event, where they discussed the role of young people in the democratic process and explored the opportunities provided by the EU.

  1. National advocacy in situ – campaign to promote children’s and youth rights and civic engagement in Cyprus

From February 2023 to June 2024, young people participated in activities organized by the Cyprus Youth Clubs Organization, aiming to actively engage them in civic life and informed decision-making. During the programme, 276 young people and youth workers from Cyprus took part in educational workshops, debates, public consultations, and discussions on youth issues, civic participation, the structure of the European Union, and the significance of active youth engagement.

  1. Using co-production as a method to spread awareness and disseminate EU values and contributions among young people

Utilizing social media platforms, particularly TikTok, along with virtual exchanges, effectively raises awareness and promotes EU values, institutions, and benefits to young people.