Are you a young leader passionate about strengthening democracy? The Youth Innovating Democracy 2026 event offers a chance to join global discussions on this topic. This fully funded gathering by the Council of Europe brings together youth from Europe and beyond to shape the future of democratic systems.
About the Youth Innovating Democracy Event
The Youth Innovating Democracy 2026 takes place at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France, from June 24 to June 26, 2026. Organized with the European Youth Forum, it forms part of the New Democratic Pact for Europe. This pact seeks to build stronger democracies, boost inclusion, and tackle issues like disinformation and low voter turnout.
Up to 120 young participants will share ideas, create solutions, and help form policy recommendations. The event highlights the Council of Europe’s focus on youth roles in decision-making.
Why This Event Matters
Democracy faces tough challenges today. These include backsliding in some nations, spread of false information, low trust in leaders, and few young voices in politics. The New Democratic Pact aims to fix these by improving participation and updating governance.
Young people play a key part here. The Youth Innovating Democracy 2026 event puts them front and center to drive real change.
Key Themes of the Event
The program covers three main themes to address democracy’s problems.
Juvenate Politics: Innovating the System
This theme looks at ways to get more youth into politics. Talks will cover youth spots in government, changes to voting rules like lower age limits, better civic classes, and steps to include young people in leadership.
Live Equality: The Promise of Democracy
Here, the focus is on fixing inequalities for youth. It includes access to rights, fair jobs and economy, effects of crises like money troubles or health scares, and help for those left out.
Empower Communities: Building Participation Ecosystems
This area builds spaces for youth action. Topics range from youth groups and community work to new ways of shared decision-making, local projects, and guarding free speech.
Objectives of the Programme
The event sets clear goals. It draws youth into the New Democratic Pact, shares strong examples of youth involvement, links young people with leaders, spreads values like rights and fairness, and creates a network of future leaders.
Programme Structure
Over three days, attendees join plenary talks with top officials, hands-on workshops, fun group activities, networking, and work on policy ideas. These outputs will feed into the larger pact.
Participants arrive on June 23 and leave on June 27, 2026.
Participant Profile
Organizers want a mix of people. This includes reps from global youth groups, local youth councils, activists for rights, movement members, delegates, and young creators like artists or reporters.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must be 18 to 35 years old, live in a country signed to the European Cultural Convention (some exceptions apply), work in English or French, join the full event, and help with follow-up tasks.
Selection Process
Teams pick up to 120 people based on balance in gender, location, skills, and backgrounds. A waitlist fills spots if needed.
Financial Support and Benefits
The Council of Europe covers everything. This means travel costs under their rules, stay at the centre or a close hotel, and all meals. It’s a full ride for selected youth.
Working languages are English and French. You need skill in at least one.
Application Process
Fill out the official online form. Submit by the deadline. Late or missing info means no chance. Check the full call for details.
The deadline is April 19, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Youth Innovating Democracy 2026 event?
It’s a fully funded gathering by the Council of Europe where up to 120 young people from Europe and beyond discuss ways to strengthen democracy. The event happens at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France, from June 24 to 26, 2026.
Who can apply to participate?
You must be 18 to 35 years old, live in a country signed to the European Cultural Convention, work in English or French, and commit to the full event plus follow-up tasks.
What are the main themes of the event?
The themes are Juvenate Politics to get more youth into politics, Live Equality to fix inequalities, and Empower Communities to build participation spaces.
How do I apply and what is covered?
Fill out the online form by April 19, 2026, at 23:59 CET. The Council of Europe covers travel, accommodation, and meals for selected participants.
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