Youth Voices of the Danube: Empowering local champions for European Cohesion

ended

"""Youth Voices of the Danube: Empowering Local Champions for European Cohesion"" (YODEC) is a dynamic initiative aimed at galvanizing young people in the Danube Region to actively participate in the consultation process for the EU Cohesion Policy draft for 2028-2034. Through a strategic partnership between the National Youth Foundation (FNT) and the European Students' Union (ESU), this project leverages the knowledge and networks of established youth and student organizations to create lasting impact and foster European integration. At its core, YODEC seeks to achieve three main objectives: the development of a digital platform that acts as a central hub for engagement, the creation of an inclusive Youth Ambassador Program to lead local and digital outreach, and the establishment of sustainable mechanisms for youth participation in policy discussions. The project is organized into three work packages, each designed to address specific components of the project’s ambitious goals. WP1 focuses on project management, ensuring the initiative is well-coordinated, transparent, and compliant with EU regulations. WP2, the heart of YODEC, is dedicated to developing the Youth Ambassador Program, recruiting diverse participants from each country in the Danube Region. These ambassadors will receive training and support to effectively gather their peers' views and represent youth interests in policy development. WP3 revolves around the digital platform's creation, a vital tool for information sharing, education, and interactive dialogue. This platform will host policy simulations, forums, and resources to aid young people in understanding and influencing the Cohesion Policy. The project is expected to have a profound short-term impact by raising awareness and understanding of EU policies among the youth in the Danube Region. In the medium term, it will increase youth engagement and input in policy-making processes. Long-term, YODEC aims to embed a culture of youth consultation"