YOUROPE

European democracy is presently challenged by the rise of authoritarianism, political extremism, misinformation, and the decreasing engagement of (underrepresented) youth. YOUROPE addresses the traditionally low political participation rates among, especially underrepresented, youth by tapping into their potential and aspirations through innovative approaches. YOUROPE aspires to transform European citizenship and democracy by enhancing youth involvement, creating a more inclusive democratic process, and developing policies that align with the different needs, perspectives, and ambitions of European youth, especially those who are currently underrepresented. YOUROPE is dedicated to reinvigorating European democracy by enhancing inclusivity and participation, particularly focusing on underrepresented youth and their communities. This is achieved by establishing shared democratic spaces and roadmaps through the innovative 'Community-Led Research and Action (CLRA)' methodology in combination with quantitative methods. This democratic methodology promotes a reciprocal environment of learning and action within educational institutions, recognizing their significant role in advancing European citizenship and democracy. It also ensures that strategies are grounded in evidence, sustainable, iterative, extensive in scale, and fundamentally participatory. Educational institutions are pivotal in this effort, acting as catalysts for democratic engagement. In these settings, young individuals and their communities will collaboratively develop inclusive, participatory democratic spaces and roadmaps. YOUROPE will implement this approach in 21 educational institutions, involving 630 young individuals and 6300 community members, connecting them directly with over 30 European policymakers. The project's vision extends far beyond its immediate timeframe, intending to establish a basis for continuous research and action on future democratic scenarios for Europe.