In realising the ‘Your future with Europe’ project, the City of Cologne and its partners wanted above all to empower and encourage young people to actively and confidently shape their future, while at the same time engaging with European and international perspectives. Young people were to be encouraged through various activities - workshops, discussion formats and creative projects - to explore international opportunities. These included, in particular, programmes such as Erasmus+, DiscoverEU and other international youth encounters. Many young people from Cologne have little knowledge of such programmes. The project therefore aimed to provide targeted information and break down barriers. The aim was to promote key skills such as leadership, digital media skills, project management, intercultural communication and democratic participation. These skills are important in order to find your way in a globalised world and to progress both professionally and personally. A central goal was to promote intercultural dialogue and thus strengthen openness, tolerance and understanding between young people from different backgrounds. In workshops such as ‘Raise Your Voice’ and the ROOTS & ROUTES Match Days in particular, social and political issues were creatively addressed and personal attitudes reflected and developed. The project was also intended to give young people the opportunity to get actively involved - not only as participants, but also in the organisation and implementation. A youth group of four people was significantly involved in the planning, which enabled them to gain important experience in teamwork, communication and event management. The long-term aim of the project was to motivate young people to network internationally, take part in further exchange programmes and perhaps even get involved at a European level. The aim was to create a sustainable impetus that would last beyond the duration of the project. The aim was to make young people in Cologne fit for international encounters, show them perspectives, expand their skills and develop an awareness of their role in Europe - all within a creative, participatory and inclusive framework. The project was implemented for the first time with the aim of making it permanent.