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EU-CHILDOCRACY: A new approach to engaging young people to EU values

Project title: EU CHILDOCRACY

Donor: European Commission (European Education and Culture Executive Agency)

Coordinator: Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law Foundation (BCNL)

Partners: European Public Law Organisation (Greece), PRISM Impresa Sociale s.r.l. (Italy)

Project starting date: 01/09/2024

Project duration: 24 months

Countries:                      Bulgaria, Greece, Italy

In September 2024, we launched the EU CHILDOCRACY project, which pilots a new approach to engaging young people with EU values. The project is a joint initiative of three civil society organizations from Bulgaria, Greece, and Italy, aimed at empowering children and young people (aged 14–25) to actively engage in debates on shared European values and share ideas for the future of Europe.

Led by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law and in collaboration with our partners from the European Public Law Organization and PRISM Impresa Sociale, the project will engage over 180 young people from the three countries in events that focus on European values. The project employs a “glocalization” approach, making EU values more relevant to local challenges and building young people’s skills for democratic participation.

The project will pilot innovative methods for youth-led advocacy, creating a framework for young citizens to take a leading role in their communities while contributing to the broader European debate.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

  • EU values and needs assessment workshops (WP1): In each country, we will work with 60 participants from partner schools/organizations in two modules: an interactive module on EU values, democracy, and mechanisms for citizen participation in decision-making processes (“Rights Module”) and a child-led discussion on local needs and challenges as perceived by them (“Needs Assessment Module”).

To read more about the workshops, click here. Take a look at these short videos from our first workshops with the children from Sofia and Dermantsi here: Sofia: https://fb.watch/xQ7CXqH7kO/; Dermantsi: https://fb.watch/xQ6vPvapKs/

  • Democracy Co-Creative Labs (WP4): Organize two-day labs in each country to enhance skills in campaign design, communication, and advocacy involving children and decision-makers with mentorship from experienced activists and artists.

To read more about the Democracy Co-Creative Labs, click here.

  • Local Youth Advocacy Campaigns “Europe at my doorstep” (WP7): Participants will launch 15 advocacy campaigns focused on EU values, addressing local issues, with mentorship throughout the process.

To read more about the Local Youth Advocacy Campaigns, click here.

  • Youth Democracy Summits (WP 10, 12, and 14): Three summits in Bulgaria, Greece, and Italy, will take place in 2026, centered on key themes:
    • “Democracy, Democratic participation, and institutions” (Greece) – 26-27 of February 2026
    • “Freedom of expression and rule of law“ (Bulgaria) – 19-20 of March 2026
    • “Solidarity and inclusion” (Italy) – April 2026
  • Transnational Contests and Exhibitions (WP 11, 13, and 15): The participating young people will be able to put their creativity to action in transnational photography (Bulgaria), social media video (Greece), and illustrations (Italy) contests. Winners will participate in the youth summits to network and engage in interactive activities.

The EU CHILDOCRACY project is an important step toward creating a more inclusive Europe, where the voices of young people are not only heard but also actively shape policy and discussions. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative!

The project is funded by the European Union. The activities are implemented by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, the European Public Law Organization, and PRISM Impresa Sociale. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.