GEYC is proud to be a part of YOUNG-STEP EU - a newly launched Erasmus+ initiative aimed at strengthening transnational youth participation and civic engagement across Europe, with a key moment of visibility at the upcoming Global Social and Solidarity Economy Forum (GSEF) in Bordeaux, France.
Project timeline and scope
Running from May 2025 to February 2026, YOUNG-STEP EU brings together 9 partner organizations from Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Belgium, Poland, and Spain. The initiative will support the involvement of 64 participants (51 young people and 13 youth workers) in a 7-day experience - including travel and participation - at the GSEF Forum in October 2025.
This transnational project emphasizes inclusive participation, with 19 of the selected young participants coming from backgrounds with fewer opportunities.
Objectives
YOUNG-STEP EU seeks to:
- Empower youth to take part in global discussions around social and solidarity economy (SSE).
- Develop civic and professional skills such as leadership, advocacy, and project management through experiential learning and peer exchange.
- Co-create a European advocacy document on SSE, capturing youth perspectives and presented during the Forum’s closing session.
- Foster awareness and community action by inspiring young people to launch local initiatives aligned with SSE values.
- Ensure long-term impact by sharing outcomes and resources in youth-led formats designed for further dissemination.
What will the results be?
As part of the project, participants will create:
- A European Youth Advocacy Document contributing to the “International Youth Declaration – BordeauxGSEF2025”.
- Multimedia content such as videos, podcasts, and interviews to highlight youth voices and experiences.
- Practical guides and reports to help relay the project’s outcomes to communities across Europe.
- A growing network of youth connected to the GSEF SSE Youth Hub, actively engaging with SSE values.
GEYC’s role
GEYC will coordinate the Romanian contribution by selecting and preparing participants, organizing preparatory activities, and supporting local dissemination. Through workshops, mentorship, and content co-creation, GEYC will ensure that Romanian youth perspectives are fully represented in the European dialogue.
Preparations begin soon, including online workshops and partner coordination meetings. Participant recruitment will focus on ensuring diversity and inclusion, giving young people from varied backgrounds the opportunity to join this European journey.
Stay tuned as we kick off YOUNG-STEP EU—working together to amplify youth voices and build a future shaped by solidarity, participation, and innovation.