Harnessing the potential of digital tools to strengthen youth participation in EU democratic life

The purpose of the #YouEU project is to reinvigorate the relationship of European Youth with the EU and promote active youth participation in the EU democratic life by harnessing the potential of digital tools and promoting e-participation. The encouragement of youth participation in the democratic life constitutes a fundamental aim of the EU enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty. More recently, Ursula von der Leyen in her Agenda for Europe marks the salience of citizens’ participation in shaping the agenda and the future for Europe: “I want Europeans to build the future of our Union […] I want citizens to have their say at a Conference on the Future of Europe, to start in 2020 and run for two years.At the same time, migration, climate change or more recently COVID-19 demonstrate the interdependence and the salience of European Union in collectively addressing the future challenges. Interestingly, these issues are the ones that considered the most important by the European Youth. OBJECTIVES Enhance the capacity of youth workers and CSOs professionals to support young people on using digital democracy tools so as to better understand the EU democracy and to contribute in EU democracy processes•Raise awareness and educate youth on e-democracy and participation concepts, tools and their potential•Strengthen transnational cooperation among youth and foster an EU digital public sphere•Prepare youth for participation in the Conference for the Future of Europe•Foster understanding and a sense of a common European identityRESULTS1. The #YouEU Toolkit, an e-publication in the form of e-book with embedded links. It will be available in (6) languages in electronic format2. The E-course addressed to youth aged 16-24 for e-participation and empowerment in EU democratic life3. The #YouEU Platform available in English and all participating country languages, user-led and with real-time content update4. The #YouEU experience: Lessons on e-participation and youth empowerment with youth views recounting their experiences on applying digital tools for participation in EU affairs 5. Delivery of education and awareness raising seminars with young persons in five (5 countries) to a total of 300 participants6. Five (5) multiplier eventsThe project is a transnational cooperation of organisations in Greece, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria and North Macedonia and will have 24 months duration.The results of the project are contributing to the goals of the EU Youth Policy and to the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. The project is also in line with The Paris Declaration of 2015 “'Declaration on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education. Also, the project is grounded and adheres to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.