The primary objectives were to prepare students for active citizenship by developing their knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in democratic processes. We aimed to create innovative teaching materials using Problem-Based Learning (PBL) where working with real life problems enhanced critical thinking, media literacy, and political awareness. The project also sought to strengthen intercultural dialogue, enabling students to collaborate across borders and understand common European challenges. Ultimately, we wanted to inspire a new generation of informed, active, and responsible European citizens, capable of contributing to a more inclusive and democratic Europe and contribute to the creation of a common European public sphere.
We applied for this project to address the need for enhanced democratic participation, media literacy, and trans European dialogue among first-time voters of Europe. Our schools, located in diverse regions across Europe, faced challenges such as political disengagement and lack of digital readiness. The project aimed to bridge these gaps by fostering a sense of European identity, promoting civic engagement, and equipping students with the skills to critically assess information and participate in democratic processes. The students were taught the lifelong lesson that a wider, deeper, and more open dialogue will create a better opportunity for deciding jointly in a European public sphere. By engaging in intercultural exchanges and collaborative learning, students developed a stronger connection to European values and a better understanding of the importance of active participation in shaping the future of Europe.