By implementing three Erasmus+ projects — one training course (Art TERRA П) and two youth exchanges (ARTTECHNO Lab 2 and Green Islands) — our overall goal was to respond to the urgent needs of young people and youth workers across Europe, by addressing themes such as inclusion, mental health, digitalization, sustainability, and participation in democratic life. Each project targeted specific challenges while aligning with broader EU goals related to social cohesion, ecological responsibility, and youth engagement. In addition, our team has long been engaged in issues of refugees and forced displacement. Several of our specialists and collaborators work directly with displaced persons, particularly those affected by the war in Ukraine. This perspective — combining the arts with social impact, mental health support, and humanitarian response — has strongly shaped the design of each project. Madeira, as an outermost European region, faces its own difficulties: youth outmigration, limited employability opportunities, dependence on tourism, social isolation, and environmental vulnerability. These realities, alongside broader European challenges, inspired us to develop projects that connect art, sustainability, digital transformation, and mental health into coherent learning experiences. The Art TERRA П training course was designed for youth and social workers, with a focus on using art therapy as a powerful tool to support young people facing emotional and social challenges. The idea for the project emerged from our daily work on the local level and continuous collaboration with partner organizations, many of which are directly involved in supporting refugees, volunteers, and socially vulnerable groups — especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on Eastern European communities. Throughout the training, participants — including practicing psychologists — explored and applied art therapy methods to address themes such as inclusion, mental health, trauma, and community building. The program also encouraged reflection on personal growth, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability. In this way, the training directly supported EU goals related to social inclusion, well-being, and innovation in non-formal education. The ARTTECHNO Lab 2 youth exchange focused on the intersection of art and digital technologies — two vital domains for young people’s self-expression, employability, and social participation today. The project promoted participation in democratic life through artistic and virtual means, while also helping participants build competencies in digital tools, visual storytelling, and virtual presence. These skills contribute not only to personal growth but also to improving participants' position in the labor market and their entrepreneurial potential. The exchange included virtual components and encouraged reflection on European values, cultural diversity, and the role of youth in shaping inclusive, creative digital spaces in line with EU goals for digital transformation. The Green Islands youth exchange promoted green practices and sustainable thinking among young people from coastal regions in Portugal and Latvia. The participants, who are all closely connected to the ocean and island life, explored local ecosystems and developed eco-friendly solutions to everyday challenges. The project responded to real environmental concerns experienced by the partner communities and aimed to raise awareness about climate change, sustainable consumerism, and biodiversity. It supported young people in becoming active citizens engaged in environmental protection and contributing to EU objectives for sustainability, social responsibility, and green innovation. Together, these projects aimed to equip young people and youth workers with concrete tools to act locally, think globally, and participate meaningfully in a democratic and sustainable Europe.