In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of daily life – influencing the way people communicate, work, learn, and make decisions. While AI offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation, creativity, and social progress, it also raises critical challenges such as data privacy concerns, biased algorithms, deepfake technology, and misuse of personal data. Young people, as some of the most active internet users, are particularly exposed to these opportunities and risks, yet often lack the competences needed to navigate them responsibly. According to Eurostat’s July 2024 report, 97 % of EU residents aged 16–29 use the internet daily, compared to 88 % of the total population, illustrating the depth of youth’s digital engagement but not necessarily their capacity for critical, informed participation (seen on https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/fr/web/products-eurostat-news/w/edn-20250715-1). Social network use remains a dominant aspect of young people’s online activity – Eurostat data from 2024 shows that 88 % of EU youth are active on social networks, with Cyprus among the leading countries. However, verifying online information remains uncommon: in 2023, only 36 % of young people in the EU attempted to check the accuracy of content they encountered online, and in Cyprus the figure was just 11 % (Eurostat, May 2024, seen on https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20240529-3). The rise of AI-generated content further complicates this picture, as it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between authentic and synthetic information, making the development of critical thinking and technology awareness an urgent priority. This European trend is also reflected in partner countries, where the AI landscape evolves faster than formal education systems can adapt, creating a widening skills gap. Youth with fewer opportunities – those from economically disadvantaged, remote, or education-disrupted backgrounds – are especially vulnerable, as they often lack both digital skills and awareness of AI’s ethical, privacy, and social dimensions. Partner organisations from Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Lithuania, Romania and Greece confirm this gap through their daily work with young people. In early 2025, internal surveys conducted among their target groups (over 90 respondents in total) revealed that more than 60% of youth had never received any training on AI or data safety, and over half expressed uncertainty about how to identify AI-generated misinformation or algorithmic bias. This demonstrates that many young people remain unprepared to face AI-related risks such as biased outcomes, synthetic media, or misuse of personal data, leaving them less equipped to participate actively in digital civic and professional life. Through the project AI & Me: Understanding Artificial Intelligence in Our Lives, participants will strengthen their skills in digital transformation, critical thinking, and technology awareness, gaining both the technical competences and ethical understanding needed to use AI tools responsibly, make informed decisions, and contribute as active, inclusive, and responsible digital citizens. AIM: to empower young people, including those with fewer opportunities, to critically understand and actively engage with artificial intelligence in their daily lives. OBJECTIVES: 1. To raise awareness about AI’s impact on society and the individual – emphasising both its opportunities and its risks by engaging each national team in researching and presenting a different AI tool or application relevant to youth life, work, or education. 2. To develop practical digital skills in AI-related tools – including prompt crafting, data interpretation, AI bias detection, and ethical evaluation. 3. To promote responsible and ethical use of AI and technology – encouraging participants to apply tools in education, civic engagement, community initiatives, business or personal development. 4. To enhance social inclusion by empowering youth with fewer opportunities to access AI and digital literacy skills, gain confidence, and participate actively in digital civic life. Through non-formal learning, hands-on workshops, and intercultural collaboration, participants will explore how AI works, recognise algorithmic bias, protect personal data, and assess AI-generated content. They will also build prompt skills, data literacy, and apply AI tools in education, work, and community life. By the end of the project, participants will have a balanced understanding of AI – seeing both its potential and risks. They will critically reflect on technology’s impact, apply ethical practices online, and share their knowledge with others. Special focus will be given to empowering youth with fewer opportunities to become confident, digitally skilled, and socially responsible young Europeans.