Young people have highlighted the importance of the theme of democratic participation, active participation and EU values for their growth and future, and we and our partners have identified this as one of the key themes for the project in 2025. With the project "YOUth Shaping Democratic Future" we aim to bring together 35 young participants from different EU countries to learn together, to collaborate, to develop as individuals in different fields and to generate quality ideas for the future of their peers and ultimately of society. The main objective of the project is to promote active citizenship and participation of young people in democratic life and to raise awareness of the values of the European Union. It also aims to guide young people on their journey through non-formal education, to develop their social, cultural, linguistic and other lifelong learning competences, to help them make the transition from education to the labour market and to prepare them for the challenges ahead. In addition, the aim is also to create the basis for a strong partnership to prepare quality learning experiences for young people for the long term future. The present project is thus designed directly from our young people with the support of organisations that have joined forces in a common idea and desire to learn. The theme is also strongly linked to the European Youth Goals of the European Union Youth Strategy Resolution 2019-2027; specifically Goal 1 Connecting the EU with young people and Goal 9 Space and participation for all. The project aims to empower young people, giving them the knowledge and tools to become more active EU citizens and to actively engage in EU decision-making processes.