In the context of the initial situation, there is a strong need to strengthen digital and financial competences among young people aged 18-25 in Romania, Hungary, North Macedonia, and Italy. The European Commission declared 2023–2024 the European Year of Skills, highlighting the urgency of boosting upskilling and reskilling, particularly in the digital and green transitions. The EU’s Digital Decade target aims for 80% of adults to have at least basic digital skills by 2030, yet progress is uneven, and current levels are far from this ambition. According to Eurostat (2023), only 28% of Romanians (the lowest in the EU), 45.8% of Italians, and 32–35% of young people in North Macedonia demonstrate at least basic digital skills, compared to 55–56% EU-wide. Hungary performs slightly better at 58.9%, but even here progress falls short of the 80% target. These gaps limit access to education, jobs, digital services, and safe online participation, with rural and disadvantaged youth particularly affected. Financial literacy indicators paint a similar picture. The 2023 Flash Eurobarometer finds that only 12% in Romania, 16% in Hungary, and 15% in Italy score at the highest levels of financial knowledge (9–10/10), against an EU average of 18%. Data from the World Bank and the National Bank of North Macedonia confirm low adult financial literacy there as well, despite rising inclusion. Furthermore, only 13% of Romanians, 22% of Hungarians, and 25% of Italians could answer at least 4–5 knowledge questions correctly, versus 26% EU-wide. These gaps matter: studies show that higher financial knowledge is linked to stronger resilience, such as being able to cover expenses after income shocks and maintaining savings in formal institutions. The problem at hand is clear: youth in these four countries face systemic disadvantages in both digital competence and financial literacy, which restricts their independence, employability, and resilience. This project responds by offering youth-friendly, practical workshops on budgeting, online safety, digital tools (Excel, Canva, AI), and financial simulations, coupled with peer-to-peer dissemination through social media and local workshops. In this way, the impact will extend beyond the 40 direct participants, reaching wider youth communities and helping to close the gaps that keep young people excluded from Europe’s digital and financial future. Aim / Goal of the Project: The aim of our project is to provide young people aged 18–25 with accessible, beginner-level knowledge in both the financial and digital fields, two essential pillars for navigating today’s world. Through hands-on, non-formal education, participants will develop practical skills such as budgeting, managing personal finances, using Excel and Word, designing CVs with Canva, and understanding the basics of AI tools. These competences are not only vital for improving their employment prospects but also for making better day-to-day decisions, increasing their financial independence, and boosting their confidence in digital environments. Ultimately, the project seeks to foster greater inclusion, resilience, and quality of life among youth, especially those from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds. Objectives of the project: 1. Objective 1 – By the end of the youth exchange, at least 80 % of the 40 young individuals will demonstrate beginner-level understanding of core financial concepts (such as budgeting, saving, and responsible spending), assessed through an interactive simulation and a short reflective quiz. 2. Objective 2 – At least 85 % of the 40 young individuals will acquire hands-on experience with basic digital tools including Excel (for budgeting), Word (for formatting), Canva (for CV design), and introductory AI prompts, evaluated through task-based activities and practical checklists. 3. Objective 3 – By the end of the project, participating organizations will have strengthened their project management skills through direct involvement in preparation, drafting, implementation, and evaluation activities. Conclusion: In a world where both digital competence and financial awareness are prerequisites for independence, employment, and active citizenship, too many young individuals in Central and Eastern Europe are still left behind. Through “DIGIFIN QUEST,” we address this urgent gap by equipping 40 young individuals with practical, beginner-level skills that will improve their decision-making, boost their employability, and build their long-term resilience. Grounded in real statistics, aligned with Erasmus+ priorities, and co-created with partners from four countries, this project offers a focused, inclusive, and impactful response to challenges young people face every day.