The main objective of the project was to promote the democratic and political participation of young people in Europe, reducing the representation gap in decision-making processes. To this end, several specific goals were established, such as providing tools and knowledge to young people and youth workers to strengthen their involvement in democratic life. It also sought to bring European institutions closer to citizens, especially under-represented groups, generating a sense of belonging and awareness of their rights and duties within the EU. The implementation of innovative methodologies in the local Hubs allowed for the creation of spaces for dialogue where young people could debate, reflect and design concrete proposals. In addition, the project aimed to strengthen the capacity of the participating organisations in democratic education and in the formation of networks that ensure the sustainability of the initiatives created, guaranteeing a long-term impact.
This project arose from the need to strengthen the democratic participation of young people in Europe, addressing the growing disconnect between institutions and citizens. The data reflects a steady decline in electoral participation and political engagement among young people, especially in under-represented groups such as women and ethnic minorities. The lack of accessible information and practical tools for getting involved in democratic processes has generated a gap in participation, which limits the construction of an active citizenship. Through this project, strategies have been developed to bring European institutions closer to young people and to provide specific training to youth workers to promote spaces for debate and exchange. The need for innovative methodologies that promote participation has been identified, and the creation of local Hubs has made it possible to establish spaces where young people and experts have collaborated in the construction of concrete solutions.