At first glance, values may seem like something abstract. But are they really? What holds our societies together, makes young people feel safe, and allows communities to grow? The answer is European values – dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, alongside principles such as pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and equality between women and men. These are not just words. They are the foundation of peaceful societies, active citizenship, and inclusion – the conditions where everyone can thrive. Yet today, in Europe and in our countries, these values are under pressure. What do we see? · Polarisation and hate speech – young people are directly exposed both online and offline, often repeating divisive language without having the tools to challenge it. · Manipulation and fake news – youth are among the heaviest social media users, yet are highly vulnerable to disinformation that erodes trust in democracy and institutions. · Discrimination and intolerance – minority and migrant youth are excluded in schools and communities, while peers often witness it but feel powerless to act. · Populism and political apathy – some young people are drawn to simplistic populist narratives, while others disengage completely, believing “their voice does not matter.” · Erosion of solidarity – competition and pressure for individual success leave less space for collective values such as dignity and equality. · Fragility of democracy – in several partner countries, young people see corruption, weak institutions, or restrictions on freedoms, which risks making distrust in democracy appear “normal.” Youth workers are often the first to face these realities in schools, youth centres, and communities. Yet many admit they lack the confidence or tools to make values visible and relevant in daily practice. They hear the doubts, prejudices, and frustrations of young people every day, and they need concrete strategies to respond constructively. Working on values may sometimes feel “too political” or sensitive. But if we want to defend them, we cannot remain neutral. Youth work must be value-based – not only about activities, but about shaping democratic and inclusive attitudes. This project gives us the space to act together. By bringing together seven countries, we can compare realities, identify common threats, and co-create youth work responses. The practices and tools developed will be carried back into NGOs, youth centres, schools, and municipalities, ensuring impact beyond individual participants. By making values concrete for young people, we empower them to speak up, engage, and participate in shaping their communities. AIM The aim of the project is to strengthen youth work as a value-based practice by giving youth workers the time, space, and tools to explore European values and develop concrete ways to promote them with young people in their communities. OBJECTIVES 1. To deepen awareness of European values and why they are essential for youth work, communities, and democratic societies. 2. To create space for youth workers to critically reflect on their own value standpoints and how these appear in everyday work with young people and organisations. 3. To recognise common threats and pressures to European values across different contexts, and to explore how youth work can play a more active role in responding to them. 4. To explore and practice non-formal learning methods (e.g. simulations, forum theatre, creative public actions) that help reflect on values, question them critically, and make them meaningful for young people. 5. To strengthen youth workers’ ability to react in everyday situations – such as hate speech, fake news, or discrimination – and to act as role models who stand up for values in practice. 6. To plan and implement follow-up activities where value-based strategies and concrete tools are applied in youth work organisations, schools, and communities. 7. To network and strengthen cooperation among youth work organisations and develop future project ideas with a strong focus on European values, active citizenship, and inclusion.