A medieval castle in the heart of the Austrian Alps, 40 young people from 5 countries, and ten days dedicated to one of the most urgent questions of our time: how do we protect democracy in the digital age? This Erasmus+ Youth Exchange is not a lecture series — it is an immersive, creative, and deeply human experience.
Guardians of Democracy: Resilient Minds in the Digital Age brings together young people aged 18 to 30 from Austria, Greece, Romania, Poland, and Turkey at Europaburg Forchtenstein — a real medieval castle in Neumarkt, Steiermark — for a journey through media literacy, civic engagement, digital wellbeing, and intercultural connection.
What Is This Project About?
The project is built around six interconnected themes that together form a complete picture of what it means to be an informed, resilient, and active citizen in the digital era.
🗞️ Media Literacy & Digital Manipulation — Explore how fake news, manipulation, and biased information spread online. Participants will practise fact-checking, source verification, and critical thinking using real case studies.
🗳️ Democracy & Active Citizenship — Reflect on the role of young people in democratic life. The project encourages civic engagement, dialogue, and understanding how each person can contribute to society.
📱 Digital Well-being & Resilience — Discover how digital overload affects brain cognition, emotions, and decision-making. Participants will learn simple tools for mindful media usage and nervous system regulation.
🌍 Intercultural Exchange — Meet young people from Austria, Romania, Poland, Greece, and Turkey. 40 stories, one common goal: to learn, to listen, and to build together — both knowledge and lasting connections.
🎨 Creative Learning & Expression — The project uses debates, workshops, simulations, reflection, and media creation. Participants will express ideas through videos, posters, blogs, and group activities.
🏘️ Local Action & Impact — The learning continues after the exchange. Each national team will prepare a local action plan to share the project message in their own community. Be the Guardian of democracy beyond the walls of the castle.
Activities
🔍 Exploring how fake news, algorithms, and online pressure influence our decisions
✅ Practising fact-checking and source verification through interactive workshops
💬 Taking part in debates, simulations, and group reflections
🧘 Learning simple mindfulness and digital detox tools
📹 Creating videos, posters, blogs, and awareness-raising materials
🏛️ Visiting local institutions and taking a trip to Hallstat
🌐 Sharing cultures, ideas, and experiences during intercultural evenings
📋 Preparing local action plans to continue the project after the exchange
Project Timeline
🖥️ Preparation — Online meeting a few weeks before the exchange covering practical information about the project, venue, and travel
🏰 APV (Advanced Planning Visit) — 16–19 May 2026 in Austria — 2 participants per country join to prepare the venue and project details
🗓️ Implementation — 22 July – 1 August 2026 — the main youth exchange at Europaburg Forchtenstein
📢 Dissemination — After the exchange, each national team implements a local action plan: a workshop, community activity, or mini online campaign
Who Should Apply?
The project brings together 40 young people from 5 countries — 7 participants aged 18 to 30 plus 1 group leader per country.
🔹 Age: 18 to 30 years old (group leaders 18+)
🔹 Curious about fake news, algorithms, and democracy
🔹 Interested in digital wellbeing, critical thinking, and civic participation
🔹 Open to intercultural exchange and creative group work
🔹 Committed to continuing the project through a local dissemination activity after the exchange
⚠️ Participants from Turkey are kindly asked to apply only if they already hold a valid visa or a green passport for travel to Austria.
Travel & Reimbursement
Travel costs are reimbursed based on country of origin. Selected participants must book tickets at least one month in advance and send their travel plan for approval before booking. Tickets purchased after 22 June 2026 will not be reimbursed.
🇬🇷 Greece: €309
🇦🇹 Austria: €25 (Green Travel)
🇷🇴 Romania: €417 (Green Travel)
🇵🇱 Poland: €285 (Green Travel)
🇹🇷 Turkey: €309
🌿 Participants from Austria, Romania, and Poland are required to use Green Travel (train, bus, carpooling). All participants are asked to use Green Travel to reach Austria where possible.
🚉 Arrive at Neumarkt in der Steiermark Bahnhof — a 10-minute walk to the castle. Venue map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZWzgLCG6jcGzmUrh9
Accommodation & Food
🏰 Participants stay at Europaburg Forchtenstein — a medieval castle in the heart of Neumarkt village, surrounded by nature in the Murau region of Steiermark
🛏️ Bunk beds, 5 people per room, with private bathrooms
🍽️ All meals fully covered — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 coffee breaks daily
🥗 Dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, celiac) can be indicated in the application form
🏥 Medical conditions and allergies should also be noted in the application form
🌐 Venue info: https://eyfon.at/ueber_eyfon/
What to Bring
🎟️ Original tickets, receipts, and boarding passes — essential for travel reimbursement
💳 European Health Insurance Card or equivalent insurance
🍱 Typical food and flags from your country for the Intercultural Night
🧴 Personal hygiene supplies and your own towels
👟 Comfortable shoes and warm clothes for outdoor activities
💻 One laptop per national team — camera if possible
💶 Some personal spending money in euros
💬 Want to understand how Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges work before you apply? This complete guide to Erasmus+ covers everything from eligibility to what to expect as a participant: https://youthworkshub.org/15096/
Infopack & Apply
📄 Infopack: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCve-cO-HNF71UX-FgA3vpR5wxBWHOc4/view?usp=sharing
📋 Application Form: https://forms.gle/BxJ82udYEXKTvqaj7
Activity Details
📅 Activity Dates: 22 July 2026 – 1 August 2026
📍 Location: Europaburg Forchtenstein, Austria
👤 Activity Type: Youth Exchange
Deadline
⏰ 05 May 2026
Eligible Countries
🇦🇹 Austria 🇬🇷 Greece 🇷🇴 Romania 🇵🇱 Poland 🇹🇷 Türkiye
✋Important Notice
Youth Works Hub does not represent or act on behalf of any organization listed on this platform. All project details are sourced directly from official ESC and Erasmus+ databases. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official project page or contact the hosting organization directly. Youth Works Hub is not responsible for any changes made to project details after publication.
Related posts:
🇮🇹 Erasmus+ Training Course in Italy 🎵 Music, Emotional Resilience & Youth Work for Social Change 🌍
🌱 16 Fully Funded Opportunities — Theatre, Permaculture, AI & Mental Health Tools for Youth Workers
🇵🇹 ESC Volunteering in Portugal 🌍 Community Work, Youth & Social Impact Experience 🇵🇹
🇺🇸 Scholarship in the USA 🎓 Mayor’s Scholarship Program — Undergraduate Degrees for NYC Government Employees 🏙️
