In many countries, there is a noticeable rise in anti-democratic attitudes, accompanied by violence, hate speech against minorities, societal polarization, and growing distrust in democratic institutions. Young people in Brandenburg and Greater Poland are increasingly affected by these developments. Established values are being questioned, while many youths lack the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to actively shape their own communities. For this reason, safe spaces for young people are crucial, providing opportunities to exchange ideas and build networks that strengthen democracy and human rights. Through the German-Polish Youth Agora, we aim to sustainably promote youth participation in rural areas of both countries by empowering young people and developing new, needs-oriented projects, while also bringing important EU youth objectives to life.