Project Information
Project Reference: 2024-3-DK01-KA154-YOU-000283556
Status: Completed
Duration: January 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
EU Grant: €55,620
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Youth Participation Activities
Countries Involved: Denmark, Georgia, Spain, Albania
Background
The project The Youth Explores the EU Eastern Enlargement was created to help young people better understand the European Union enlargement process and its impact on Europe’s future. Many young people from EU Member States have limited knowledge about candidate countries and the Eastern Partnership, while participants from countries such as Georgia and Albania often want more opportunities to discuss European integration directly with EU peers.
The project aimed to create a space where young people could openly discuss democracy, human rights, civic participation and the future of Europe. It also encouraged participants to see enlargement not only as a political process, but also as a social and cultural process that directly affects young generations.
Objectives
The main objective of the project was to increase young people’s understanding of EU Eastern Enlargement and strengthen their active participation in democratic life. The activities focused on topics such as European values, rule of law, media literacy, misinformation and civic engagement.
Another important goal was to create dialogue between young people, youth organisations and decision-makers. The project also aimed to strengthen cooperation between organisations from Denmark, Spain, Georgia and Albania and encourage long-term international partnerships.
Implementation
The project was implemented through international mobility activities, preparatory meetings and dissemination events. European Youth International coordinated the project together with partner organisations from Georgia, Spain and Albania.
A preparatory meeting was organised in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in April 2025 to plan the activities, participant recruitment and communication strategy. Two international youth mobilities were later organised during the project.
The first mobility took place in Bakuriani, Georgia, in July 2025 and focused on the Eastern Partnership and Georgia’s perspective on EU integration. The second mobility was held in Durrës, Golem and Tirana, Albania, in October 2025 and explored the Western Balkans’ path towards EU membership and regional cooperation.
Participants and Activities
The project involved 105 young participants, mainly aged 18–30, from Denmark, Spain, Georgia, Albania and several other European countries. Participants included students, youth activists, NGO members and young people interested in European affairs and democratic participation.
The programme included workshops, debates, intercultural activities, policy discussions and meetings with experts and decision-makers. Participants explored topics such as democracy, European identity, media literacy and misinformation through non-formal education methods and teamwork activities.
The project also promoted intercultural dialogue and encouraged participants to exchange perspectives about social and political challenges in their countries.
Results and Achievements
The project achieved strong educational and personal results for participants. Young people developed a deeper understanding of the EU enlargement process, European institutions and democratic values. Many participants also improved their communication, teamwork, public speaking and critical thinking skills.
Evaluation results showed very positive feedback. Most participants reported a stronger sense of European belonging and increased motivation to participate in civic and political life. Many described the project as a meaningful personal experience that changed their perspective on European cooperation and integration.
The project also strengthened the capacity of the participating organisations in international project management, Erasmus+ cooperation and youth participation activities.
Impact
The activities helped create stronger connections between young people from EU and non-EU countries. Participants gained first-hand knowledge about the realities, challenges and opportunities connected to European integration and democratic participation.
The project also supported wider dissemination through online campaigns, local follow-up events and discussions with policymakers and diplomats. Through these activities, the consortium encouraged broader public dialogue about Europe’s future and the role of young people in shaping it.
Conclusion
The Youth Explores the EU Eastern Enlargement showed how international youth participation projects can strengthen democratic engagement, intercultural understanding and European cooperation. By bringing together young people from different countries and backgrounds, the project created meaningful dialogue about Europe’s future and encouraged participants to become more active citizens in their communities and beyond.
