Future of Europe We are living in challenging times. Long-held certainties are under pressure. The current political crises in Europe have also made numerous social lines of conflict visible: freedom versus security, cooperation versus national go-it-alone approaches, democratic participation versus authoritarian rule. Many young people feel unsettled by this new lack of clarity and ask themselves whether their previous value compass still fits our times. Xenophobia, Euroscepticism, and nationalism are increasing almost everywhere in the EU. Our societies, and each individual among us, must learn from the crisis and realign themselves. In doing so, we must not lose sight of the European added value from which young people in particular benefit. This is best achieved by living and practicing these values. To make use of this European added value, young people must be given the opportunity to help shape their environment. In our project, we show them creative ways to take the future into their own hands. European Shield for Democracy In recent years, young people across Europe have drawn attention to themselves through various actions. Demonstrations against what they see as inadequate climate policies have shown in particular that they want to help shape their living environment. This momentum can be used to address pressing social challenges and to further develop Europe in a contemporary way. Young people should understand that, as informed citizens, they can help shape politics. We want to support them in gaining skills, getting involved, and acting independently. They learn to actively participate in political debate as citizens of Europe, focusing on issues that are especially important to them as young people in Europe. Europe’s democracy has weaknesses, as the crises have revealed. These deficits can be addressed through civic engagement. We all must learn to see ourselves and act as citizens of Europe. In line with the EU concept of a “European Shield for Democracy,” we aim to contribute to strengthening social resilience. Resilience means acting proactively, transformatively, and with foresight, and actively engaging in an increasingly complex, dynamic world shaped by uncertainty. Scenario Method A highly practical tool for young people to reflect on decisions in terms of their future viability is the scenario method. The future does not simply happen; it is shaped by people and their decisions. This is where the scenario method comes in. It serves to prepare decisions, provide orientation with regard to future developments, develop strategies, and identify opportunities for change at an early stage. The aim is not to design utopias, but to create plausible descriptions of a future situation. On this basis, we will discuss in our workshops how the EU can develop politically. This is done by projecting current trends into a manageable time horizon. When participants realize that today’s actions have consequences for the future, they are motivated to actively shape their own future. The method enables holistic learning and addresses the deeply human need to engage with the future. Anyone who masters this method of prospective analysis can better identify the scope of present political action and recognize their own capacity to shape change. Creativity Creative tools such as theater, film, dance, comics, and artificial intelligence enable young people to present the content developed through the scenario method. These methods become instruments for empowerment and for testing new and expanded possibilities for action. They allow participants to explore possible realities of a sustainable EU in a playful way. The freedom created in this playful space serves as a bridge to identifying the necessary spaces for active social participation in everyday life and to using them responsibly. We provide young people with various formats that allow them to contribute and further develop their own strengths and interests. Involvement of Youth Services We will involve the District Youth Council Märkisch Oderland as well as the youth services of the other partners in various phases of the project. In this way, we ensure a mutual learning process in the spirit of youth and social work that is oriented toward the current interests of young people. We also enable the transfer of results beyond the circle of participating institutions and create feedback effects for local youth work. The project addresses questions and methods related to European identity for young people.