European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Democratic Participation

  • Transitions to Democracy in Southern and Eastern Europe

    Transitions to Democracy in Southern and Eastern Europe

    Proposal: Values that Unite Us: Transitions to Democracy in Southern and Eastern Europe

    Keywords: Democracy, Democratic transition, Gender, Democratic engagement and civic participation, Extremism, Raising awareness of children and/or young people, European Values; Eastern transition to democracy; Southern transition to democracy

    Objective: This project aims to explore the democratic transitions in Southern and Eastern Europe, focusing on the shared values that guided these nations through their transition to democracy. In a context of rising Euroscepticism, the project aims to deepen young people’s understanding of the common European values that unite these countries and the role of the EU in shaping their democratic trajectories.

    The consortium consists of universities, research centers and non-governmental organizations, ensuring a diverse and interdisciplinary approach. This collaboration allows the project to reach a broad range of young people and civil society groups. It is committed to gender equality, promoting women’s participation, and incorporating gender-sensitive content across all activities.

    Call: CERV-2025-CITIZENS-REM – European Remembrance – 2025

    Predicted budget: 385 860,00€

    To be Implemented between 2026 and 2029

    Consortium:

    • Fundación Universidad Loyola Andalucia
    • European Research Center for Social Development (Glouni)
    • Institut Za Razvojne In Strateske Analize Zavod
    • Planet To The 3rd Power, Institute For Interdisciplinary Sustainable Development
    • Koyalia
    • Szubjektiv Ertekek Alapitvany
    • Notre Europe – Institut Jacques Delors
    • Centro Studi E Ricerca Impacto Ets
    • Uniwersytet Wrocławski
    • Uniwersytet Im. Adama Mickiewicza Wpoznaniu
    • Istituto Di Culture Mediterranee
    • Universidad Complutense De Madrid
  • Youth DemocrAID

    Youth DemocrAID

    Proposal:  Education, Debate, Action

    Keywords: Promoting democratic participation through debating the future of Europe, Citizenship education, democratic life, youth empowerment, youth debate, youth engagement, active citizenship

    Objective: In a rapidly evolving world, active and informed citizenship is paramount for the health of any democracy. However, recent research reveals a concerning decline in political participation among young people aged 15-25 in Europe and beyond. Voter absenteeism rates are alarmingly high, involvement in institutional politics is declining, and civic awareness is insufficient. To address these challenges, we present “The Youth DemocrAID: Education, Debate, Action” project.

    This initiative recognizes the pivotal role of education in fostering civic engagement. Citizenship education is proposed as a solution to empower young individuals with democratic knowledge and skills. The project focuses on non-formal education methods and open discussion environments.

    The project stems from a consortium of five partner organizations across Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, and Portugal. Its objectives are:

    • To encourage youth engagement in democracy and the future of Europe.
    • To empower young people with knowledge and skills for active participation.
    • To foster a European identity among young citizens.
    • To enhance citizenship education using innovative non-formal methods.
    • To strengthen democratic values and promote participation in society.

    The project’s activities include an international seminar and debate, training of trainers, development of comprehensive workshop materials, online workshops, an international youth forum, and a podcast series featuring interviews with active figures in democracy.

    Inclusivity is a core focus of the project, addressing the gender gap in political engagement and involving youth organizations in collaboration with local schools and institutions. Through “The Youth DemocrAID ” project, we aspire to create an informed, engaged, and active generation of citizens who are not only prepared to participate in democratic processes but also to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society as a whole.

    EU Call: CERV-2023-CITIZENS-CIV – Citizens’ engagement and participation – 2023

    Budget: 142 705,00€

    To be Implemented between 2024 and 2026

    Consortium:

    • Younet
    • European Research Center for Social Development (Glouni)
    • Instytut Pracy I Edukacji
    • Youth For Equality
    • Prosvasi Anasygkrotisi Tis Astikis Dimokratikis Syn