TEC FORUM 2026

In 2026, we come together under the theme “Voicing the Future and Shaping Tomorrow Together” — a call to actively contribute and collaborate. The event consists of three full working days, with arrival on 7 September and departure on 11 September.

Focus and Key Topics

TEC Forum 2026 builds on the strong legacy of previous editions while placing a dedicated focus on this year’s theme, guided by the following topics:

• Including broader political and geopolitical dynamics and their impact on participants’ realities and educational challenges within TEC
• Discussing the strategic relevance of volunteering – and TEC in particular — in the context of the likely integration of the European Solidarity Corps into Erasmus+
• Developing and pre-testing concrete approaches to address emerging European priorities in TEC planning, methodologies, and trainers’ competences
• Exploring safeguarding practices and peer support systems
• Strengthening the TEC community as a space for continuous exchange and learning

What to Expect

Throughout the three working days, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Exchange questions, insights, ideas, and experiences from diverse perspectives, including trainers, NA officers, and SALTO officers
• Engage in dialogue with a representative of the European Commission
• Learn from expert contributions on key topics
• Share presentations and receive feedback on tools and methods, with a focus on the main theme
• Collaborate to develop new solutions to challenges relevant to TEC implementation
• Strengthen and consolidate networks and working groups
• Foster a sense of belonging within the international TEC community and encourage mutual support
• Continue the exchange in a follow-up online meeting after the event

Methodology

We offer a space where participants can engage in continuous working groups aligned with the event theme throughout the three working days. These groups provide an opportunity to explore pressing issues in greater depth and share their outcomes with the plenary. At the same time, plenary discussions and inputs serve as a source of inspiration, enriching and guiding the ongoing work of the groups. In addition, a dedicated tool fair will offer time and space for participants to exchange practical tools, methods, and approaches with one another.

Past and Future of the TEC Forum

TEC Forum 2026 builds on the strong legacy of previous editions. It continues a series of events held in Italy (2011), Switzerland (2014), Italy again (2018), Belgium (2021), Estonia (2022), Poland (2023), Germany (2024), and Lithuania (2025). After this year’s TEC Forum in Vienna, it will be carried forward to another edition in 2027.

This long-standing history reflects a wealth of shared experience and provides strong motivation to further strengthen the community of TEC trainers and officers, contributing to the continuous quality improvement of activities within the European Solidarity Corps.

Practicalities

The TEC Forum 2026 will take place in Vienna, at Europahaus Wien —a place where ideas can breathe. Surrounded by the Vienna Woods and yet only moments away from the center of the city. In this setting, we invite you to pause, to exchange, and to create.

TEC Forum 2026 is hosted by the Austrian National Agency, in partnership with the SALTO European Solidarity Corps Resource Centre, SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus, and the Lithuanian and German National Agencies.

The TEC Forum 2026 will be facilitated by Vika Mato (LT), Carina Altenriederer (AT) and Gubaz Koberidze (GE).