ACTIVATE – Active Citizens for a Stronger Europe is a European cooperation project that aims to strengthen youth participation in democratic life and foster stronger connections between young citizens and democratic institutions across Europe.

The project engages young people aged 18–27, with a particular focus on those from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds who often face barriers to civic and political participation. ACTIVATE responds to key challenges affecting democratic engagement today, including declining voter turnout among youth, limited opportunities for meaningful participation, and the growing influence of misinformation in digital spaces.

Through a series of participatory activities such as civic participation labs, media literacy workshops, storytelling activities, and creative civic forums, the project supports young people in developing civic competences, political literacy, and digital resilience. Participants explore democratic values, strengthen critical thinking skills, and gain practical tools to engage constructively in democratic processes and public dialogue.

ACTIVATE also promotes cross-border exchange and collaboration, enabling young people from different countries and backgrounds to share experiences and reflect on common democratic challenges in Europe.

The project culminates in the Youth Civic Vision Assembly, where participants simulate European-level decision-making and collaboratively develop the ACTIVATE Civic Manifesto, a youth-led document presenting recommendations for strengthening democratic participation, inclusion, and active citizenship across Europe.

Why ACTIVATE Matters

Across Europe, democratic participation among young people is uneven and often declining. Many young citizens feel disconnected from political institutions and believe that their voices are not sufficiently represented in decision-making processes. At the same time, the digital environment has made it easier for misinformation to spread, making it more difficult for young people to navigate political information and engage confidently in public debates.

ACTIVATE responds to these challenges by empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to participate actively in democratic life. By combining civic education, digital literacy, and creative participation, the project helps young people understand democratic processes, develop critical thinking skills, and express their perspectives on issues that affect their communities and the future of Europe.

The project also creates opportunities for cross-border dialogue and collaboration, allowing young people from different countries and backgrounds to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and work together on common democratic challenges.