The project aimed to encourage a better understanding of the cultural, social and political context of the relationship between youth engagement through volunteering and EU values. We wanted to support youth volunteering as a transformative force for strengthening EU values, resilience and sustainable communities. Another objective was to strengthen the capacities of youth organisations to develop more impactful volunteer engagement that promotes democratic principles, solidarity, inclusion and human rights. Finally, we aimed to unlock the potential of national, transnational and EU cooperation by building a common narrative and practical tools that foster youth civic participation and affirm fundamental EU values.
We applied for this project to address the need for stronger youth engagement in strengthening EU values through volunteering. Volunteering is not only about helping others but is a powerful form of civic participation that can reinforce democracy, solidarity, peacebuilding and social inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine highlighted the urgent need for supported, value-based youth engagement. Our project responded to the lack of structured support for youth organisations to promote civic competences through volunteering. It focused on strengthening the capacity of organisations and youth workers to develop programmes that move beyond charity, helping youth understand their role in building resilient, inclusive and democratic societies. By joining expertise across countries, we aimed to create new knowledge, tools and a common European narrative on volunteering as an expression of EU values, countering extremist and populist narratives and empowering young people as active citizens for the future of Europe.