DEMOCRACY LAB : Think critically. Connect genuinely. Participate actively

Partner Search – Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange
We are currently developing an Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange focused on democratic literacy, active youth participation and the challenges and opportunities that Artificial Intelligence brings to our democracies.
Across Europe, many young people care deeply about issues affecting their communities and their future. However, having an opinion or sharing concerns online does not always translate into meaningful participation in society.
At the same time, an increasing part of young people's social interaction, access to information and public debate takes place through digital platforms. Artificial Intelligence is adding a new dimension to this reality, creating opportunities but also raising important questions about misinformation, manipulation, algorithms, bias, privacy, critical thinking and democratic decision-making.
DEMOCRACY LAB aims to bring together young people aged 18–25 from different European countries to explore a fundamental question:
How can young people become active citizens and help shape a democratic, human-centred digital future?
Through non-formal education, peer learning and intercultural exchange, participants will explore what democracy means in everyday life and learn how individual concerns can become collective action.
The project will not be based on lectures. Young people will learn democracy by experiencing democracy.
Activities may include participatory workshops, Democracy Cafés, debates, role-playing and decision-making simulations, media literacy challenges, misinformation and AI experiments, intercultural dialogue, meetings with local actors and collaborative community challenges.
A specific part of the exchange will explore AI and democracy, encouraging participants to critically examine how Artificial Intelligence may influence information, public debate and decision-making, while also exploring how technology can be used responsibly to strengthen civic participation.
Participants will be actively involved in designing and facilitating parts of the programme and in deciding the final outcomes of the exchange.
As a common result, participants will co-create a Youth Charter for Human-Centred Democracy in the Age of AI, expressing their principles and proposals for a democratic and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies.
Main objectives
The project aims to:
strengthen democratic and civic literacy among young people;
create meaningful face-to-face spaces for dialogue and cooperation;
develop critical thinking and media and digital literacy;
help young people discover practical ways to participate in their communities;
explore the opportunities and risks of AI for democracy;
promote intercultural dialogue and common European values;
empower young people to move from expressing concerns to taking collective action.
Target group
Young people aged 18–25, particularly those interested in social issues, technology, participation or community life.
We especially welcome the involvement of young people who have had limited opportunities to participate in international mobility or organised civic initiatives.
Partners we are looking for
We are looking for motivated organisations from Erasmus+ Programme Countries working with young people and interested in one or more of the following areas:
youth participation · active citizenship · democracy · media literacy · digital citizenship · Artificial Intelligence · critical thinking · non-formal education · European values
We are particularly interested in partners willing to co-create the project with us and involve young people from the preparation phase onwards, rather than simply sending participants to the exchange.
If your organisation believes that young people should not only adapt to the digital future but also have a voice in shaping it, we would be very happy to hear from you.
Let’s give young people the tools, spaces and confidence to participate in democracy — online and offline.