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Cyprus Forum: Brussels-Youth Perspectives on Cyprus' EU Council Presidency & EU Relations

2025-1-CY01-KA154-YOU-0003015122025Youth participation activitiesfinalized
Countries: CY · Grant: €14,984
Democracy and inclusive democratic participationAwareness about the European UnionEuropean identity and values

Objectives

The Cyprus Forum: Brussels 2026 project aimed to strengthen youth participation in democratic life and European governance by creating opportunities for direct dialogue between young people and European policymakers, institutional representatives, diplomats, academics, and civil society actors. The project focused particularly on Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus-EU relations, and the role of young people in shaping the future of Europe through active participation in policymaking and democratic processes. The main objective of the project was to empower young people to become more informed, engaged, and active citizens by increasing their understanding of European institutions, EU decision-making processes, democratic governance, and European cooperation. The project sought to address the limited opportunities many young people have to directly engage with European institutions and policymakers, particularly in an international and high-level policy environment. Another key objective was to provide meaningful spaces for youth participation and structured dialogue between young people and decision-makers. Through the organisation of Cyprus Forum: Brussels 2026 at the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the EU in Brussels, participants had the opportunity to interact directly with policymakers, European officials, diplomats, academics, and experts, allowing them to exchange views, express concerns, and contribute to discussions on European priorities and challenges. The project also aimed to strengthen participants’ competences through non-formal learning and experiential educational methods. Participants were encouraged to develop skills in policy analysis, critical thinking, communication, advocacy, networking, teamwork, and public speaking through panel discussions, interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with experts and institutional representatives. At the same time, the project promoted intercultural dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among participants from different backgrounds. An additional objective of the project was to strengthen cooperation between youth organisations, public institutions, European stakeholders, and civil society actors while promoting democratic participation, active citizenship, and European values. The project encouraged young people to engage constructively in discussions concerning Europe’s future, Cyprus’ role within the European Union, competitiveness, enlargement, democratic governance, and youth participation in decision-making processes. The project further sought to create long-term impact by encouraging participants to remain actively involved in civic engagement, youth initiatives, and European affairs beyond the duration of the activity. Through the knowledge, networks, and experiences gained during the project, participants were encouraged to continue participating in democratic processes and future European and Erasmus+ initiatives. Overall, the Cyprus Forum: Brussels 2026 project aimed to strengthen youth participation in European governance, promote active citizenship and democratic dialogue, and ensure that young people have a meaningful voice in discussions related to the future of Europe and Cyprus’ role within the European Union.

Project partners (1)