Participate! – Empowering Youth in Europe

Seminar

23-30 May 2026 | Berlin, Germany

Empower youth for Europe’s future! Join our 1-week workshop to strengthen participation, tackle challenges & connect with changemakers across Europe. 

Youth participation in Europe is more important than ever. The European Union is under pressure from many directions. More and more political movements question the European project. After the 2024 European elections, a Eurosceptic majority in the European Parliament seems possible. At the same time, Europe faces urgent challenges. Refugees seeking protection put solidarity to the test. The war in Ukraine continues to strain societies. Internationals crisis like the war in middle east and ongoing uncertainties about tariffs and trade relations weigh heavily on economy and social cohesion. While this all dominate the headlines, the climate emergency is pushed into the background.

In this multitude of challenges, Participate! focuses on what unites us: solidarity, democracy, and the rule of law. The project highlights youth participation in Europe as a key to building a strong and resilient civil society.

We revive proven formats of dialogue between young people and decision-makers and develop creative methods that empower young people to implement local youth projects with European impact.

We invite committed organisations, trainers, and volunteers across Europe to contribute their expertise, themes, and networks.

Through a mix of interactive sessions, expert exchanges, field visits, and hands-on project development, participants will explore how to turn challenges into opportunities for meaningful youth participation.

🌐 What is Eurodesk — and how can it help you find Erasmus+ and ESC opportunities for free?Eurodesk is the EU's official youth information network, operating in over 40 countries with a mission to connect young people with opportunities across Europe — completely free of charge. From Erasmus+ and ESC projects to volunteering, traineeships, and funding schemes, Eurodesk advisors can help you navigate the options available in your country and region. This article explains what Eurodesk does, how to find your nearest contact point, and how to make the most of its services.

👉 https://youthworkshub.org/15120/

What to Expect

1. Identifying Challenges & Barriers

• Mapping the landscape: What obstacles do young people face in different European countries when trying to engage in civic and political life?
• Case studies: From bureaucratic hurdles to lack of resources—how do these challenges manifest in practice?

2. Sharing Experiences & Best Practices

• Peer learning: Participants will share their own experiences—successes, failures, and lessons learned.
• Toolkits & methods: Explore proven formats for dialogue between youth and decision-makers, such as youth councils, participatory budgeting, and digital platforms.
• Cross-border collaboration: How can we adapt successful models from one country to another?

3. Trends, Methods & Innovations in Youth Participation

Current trends: What’s working now? From digital activism to local community projects, we’ll examine the latest approaches.

Creative methods: Workshop on innovative formats like gamification, art-based participation, and storytelling for advocacy.

Critical reflection: What are the limits of participation? How can we ensure inclusivity and avoid tokenism?

4. Field Visits: Inspiring Initiatives in Berlin

Meet the changemakers: Visits to local projects and organizations that are pioneering youth participation.

5. Developing Your Own Projects

• Ideation lab: From concept to action—participants will develop their own initiatives.
• Pitch training: Learn how to present your ideas effectively to stakeholders and funders.

By the End of the Week, You Will:

•  Expand your network: Build lasting connections with like-minded individuals from across Europe.
• Gain fresh inspiration: Leave with a toolbox of ideas, methods, and strategies to implement in your own context.
• Deep dive into participation: Understand the nuances of youth engagement—from formal structures to grassroots movements.
• Be ready to act: Equip yourself with the skills to advise, motivate, and mobilize young people in your community.

This Seminar is

for 24 participants

from Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries 

and recommended for

Youth workers, Trainers, Youth leaders, Youth project managers, Youth policy makers, Volunteering mentors, Youth coaches, Youth researchers, people interested in youth work and politics

Working language(s):

English 

Organiser:

Citizens of Europe e.V. (Youth NGO)

Citizens of Europe is a group of individuals who feel responsible for the future of Europe. We work together through interdisciplinary debate, practical training and engaged art. We aim to promote active European citizenship.

The activities are based on voluntary initiatives. In order to be as efficient as possible, we minimise formal and administrative procedures and rely on autonomous project teams.

Contact for questions:

Tobias Kunow 

E-Mail: tobias.kunow@citizens-of-europe.eu

Phone: 00491704121411

Costs

Participation fee

no participation fee 

Accommodation and food

Accommodation and meals are free of charge. Accommodation in 3-4 bed rooms. 

Travel reimbursement

We reimburse travel costs up to 360 Euro depending on the country of origin and the way of transport. 

Participants are entitled to receive a Youthpass certificate from the organiser, for recognition of their competence development during the activity.

Application deadline (24h UTC): 8 May 2026

Date of selection: 11 May 2026

Training overview

http://trainings.salto-youth.net/14757

🗺️ Which countries can apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? — The complete and up-to-date country list. A lot of people assume Erasmus+ and ESC are only available to European Union member states — but the reality is much more inclusive. Programme countries, partner countries, and special eligibility rules mean that young people from far more places can participate than most realise. This article provides the full, up-to-date list of eligible countries for both Erasmus+ and ESC, with clear explanations of what each status means for applicants.

👉 https://youthworkshub.org/15124/

✨ 5 incredible things you'll experience in an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange — and why they stay with you. It's easy to describe an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in practical terms — activities, workshops, intercultural dialogue. But the things that actually stay with you are harder to put into words. This article captures five of the most powerful and transformative experiences that participants consistently describe, from unexpected friendships to moments of genuine self-discovery. If you're on the fence about applying, this might be the push you need.

👉 https://youthworkshub.org/15116/