The project aimed to connect youth perspectives with European politics, particularly with regional EU policy in the Baltic Sea area. It responded to the growing sense of uncertainty among young people in the face of crises such as climate change, nationalism, and geopolitical conflicts. The goal was to move beyond a crisis mindset by creating safe spaces, collaborative youth initiatives, and age-appropriate discussions that addressed young people's needs and interests in the areas of participation, democracy, and Europe. We pursued a specific Baltic Sea approach as a macro-regional foundation for a broader pan-European perspective. Direct participation in politics is usually quite challenging, as many young people lack essential competencies. But young people are experts when it comes to their own future — and for that reason, we sought to empower them through the strengthening of soft skills and international experience, enabling them to engage meaningfully in political and civic life.