This autumn, youth are on the move! We’re embarking on an exciting journey to explore EU values through the eyes of the future of the EU – young Europeans.
We are thrilled to announce that EU CHILDOCRACY kicks off across Bulgaria, Greece, and Italy, aiming to amplify the voices of children and young people in shaping the future of Europe.
Led by three civil society organizations – the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, the European Public Law Organization, and PRISM Impresa Sociale – the initiative will engage 180 young people, aged 14-25, in workshops, democracy co-creation labs, and youth summits.
The focus is on fostering a deeper connection to EU values such as democracy, equality, and freedom of expression, while empowering youth to develop local campaigns that address critical community needs. We can’t wait to see the innovative solutions that will emerge!
Spanning two years, this initiative leverages a “glocalization” approach, making EU values more relevant to local contexts while simultaneously building young people’s skills in democratic participation. The activities will culminate in national and transnational events, including 15 local campaigns, 3 youth democracy summits, and transborder contests for creative works focused on European values.
Together with the future decision makers we’ll raise public awareness about EU values, improving youth engagement in current decision-making processes, and boosting transnational cooperation.
We are excited as the project also pilots innovative methods of youth-led advocacy, creating a framework for young citizens to take a leading role in their communities while contributing to the larger European conversation.
What lies ahead for us:
- Workshops on EU values and local needs (September–December 2024);
- Democracy Co-creation Labs to train youth in civic campaigning (January–April 2025);
- Local Youth Campaigns focused on EU values (April–December 2025);
- Youth Democracy Summits on key themes such as freedom of expression and solidarity (January–August 2026);
- Transnational Contests and Exhibitions, as side events to the main summits.
The EU-CHILDOCRACY project marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive Europe where young voices are not just heard but actively contribute to shaping policy and discourse. Stay tuned as this exciting initiative unfolds!
The project is funded by the European Union. It is implemented by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, the European Public Law Organization, and PRISM Impresa Sociale. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.