Introduction The “Youth Resolutions, European Solutions” project was an Erasmus+ initiative focused on youth dialogue, political participation, and active citizenship at the European level. The project aimed to empower young people by providing them with a platform to discuss and influence youth policies. It took place between May 1, 2019, and January 31, 2020, with an EU grant of €49,844. Participants from 17 European countries engaged in discussions and policy recommendations to shape the future of youth participation in Europe.
Background Over the years, many structured dialogue projects have taken place at the national level. This project was the next step in providing young people with an international platform to deepen their understanding of the European project. The initiative helped participants gain insight into how the EU functions and allowed them to contribute meaningful input to youth policy discussions. The main highlight was a transnational event held in Malta from November 9-16, 2019, where nearly 100 young people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds took part in dialogue and debates.
Objectives The primary objectives of the project were:
- To provide young people with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with policymakers and experts.
- To encourage political participation and active citizenship among European youth.
- To foster a deeper understanding of European youth policy and the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027.
- To create a lasting network of European contacts among participants.
- To promote intercultural exchange and mutual learning.
Implementation The project was structured into two main activities:
- Preparatory National Seminar – This phase focused on selecting committee delegates and training Maltese volunteers. Participants were introduced to the issues that would be debated and given an overview of the event’s schedule.
- Transnational Event in Malta – The main activity consisted of dialogue sessions, committee work, and drafting resolutions. The event concluded with a plenary session where participants finalized and agreed on a document to be presented to policymakers and experts.
Key Results The project produced several significant outcomes:
- Resolution Booklet – A formal document presenting the youth-generated policy recommendations.
- Intercultural Exchange – Participants from different backgrounds engaged in meaningful discussions, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
- Enhanced Knowledge of EU Youth Policy – Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how youth policies are shaped and implemented.
- Strengthened Youth Dialogue Process – The event demonstrated the effectiveness of structured dialogue as a tool for youth participation in decision-making.
- Long-term Network of European Contacts – Delegates established connections that extended beyond the project’s duration.
- Encouragement of Active Citizenship – Participants returned to their home countries with the motivation to spread the message of youth involvement and to continue shaping their own futures.
Conclusion “Youth Resolutions, European Solutions” successfully empowered young people by providing them with a platform to influence policy decisions. The project contributed to the ongoing effort to create a more engaged and informed generation of European citizens. By equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and networks, this initiative has laid the foundation for continued youth participation in shaping the future of Europe.
