EU Needs YOU!

"EU Needs YOU!" is an intensive 9-day Training Course hosted in Neumarkt, Austria, bringing together a total of 40 youth workers from Austria, Belgium, Romania, Greece, and Ukraine. The project addresses the critical need for increased civic engagement and democratic literacy among youth, particularly in the face of rising Euroscepticism and political disengagement. By demystifying the complex decision-making processes of the European Union, we aim to empower those working at the grassroots level to better represent their communities and make their voices heard by policymakers.

This activity is specifically designed for professionals and volunteers active in the field of youth work and non-formal learning. We are seeking participants who act as multipliers within their local communities - including NGO staff, student representatives, and activists. Each national team of eight will include a deliberate mix of highly experienced youth workers, newcomers to the field, and individuals working with fewer opportunities or NEET populations. This diversity ensures a rich peer-to-peer learning environment where seasoned professionals can share mentorship while gaining fresh perspectives from those new to youth work.

The 9-day program follows a logical progression meant to solidify the understanding of participants in the following manner:

1.Foundations: History, values, and institutional roles of the EU.

2.Active Tools: In-depth workshops on the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), the Erasmus+ Framework, and the European Green Deal.

3.Professional Growth: Sessions dedicated to career-enhancing tools like Horizon Europe and Schuman/Bluebook Traineeships.

4.Study Visit: An educational excursion to Hallstatt.

5. Project Design: A practical "Project Design Lab" where participants learn to draft their own KA153 youth worker mobility projects.

Participants will be granted formal recognition of course completion through the Youthpass Certificate.. Beyond personal development, national teams are required to lead a local dissemination campaign, bridging the gap between formal and non-formal education by conducting workshops in high schools to reach first-time voters. This is meant to ensure that the expertise gained in Austria directly benefits the youth workers' daily practice and their local communities.