YOUTH: Expanding New Generations’ Access to Governance and Engagement

Overview:
The Expanding New Generations’ Access to Governance and Engagement (ENGAGE) project addresses the urgent need to counter political polarization among European youth and enhance their civic and political participation. ENGAGE empowers youth aged 15-24 across five European countries to actively engage in democratic processes by equipping them with knowledge of European values, critical civic competences, and a strong sense of European identity. By fostering informed, constructive participation, the project seeks to mitigate the rise of Euroscepticism and far-right ideologies while encouraging youth to become active contributors to inclusive, democratic societies. Through awareness-raising campaigns, skills development workshops, and youth-led initiatives, ENGAGE takes a comprehensive approach to improving youth civic education and political literacy. The project emphasizes participatory methodologies, gamified learning tools, and intercultural exchanges to create an engaging and sustainable framework for youth civic engagement.
 
Challenge:
Youth in Europe face growing political polarization, with significant numbers gravitating toward extremes due to disillusionment with traditional political systems. Young voters are deeply divided between progressive and nationalist values, exacerbating societal tensions. Additionally, many lack the critical skills needed to navigate complex political landscapes, including media literacy, rational decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving. This challenge is compounded by limited opportunities for civic education and active political participation.
 
Solution:
ENGAGE offers an innovative, multilayered solution focused on increasing youth political literacy and fostering a stronger European identity. The project develops tools like the European Compass of Civic and Political Participation Competences, organizes civic forums and EU parliamentary simulations, and encourages collaborative youth-led initiatives to empower young people. By promoting active citizenship and participatory democracy, ENGAGE ensures that youth engagement supports European values and strengthens democratic institutions.
 
Objectives:
1. Strengthen European Identity: Enhance youth understanding of European values through participatory civic education and awareness-raising activities.
2. Promote Political Literacy: Equip youth with critical competences to engage constructively in civic and political processes.
3. Foster Active Citizenship: Inspire youth-led initiatives that address local community needs and amplify the project’s impact.
4. Ensure Long-term Impact: Create sustainable resources, including a Civic Participation Guide of Good Practices and an e-learning platform, for continuous youth engagement.
 
Project Website: TO COME SOON