On 16 January, GEYC joined partners from across Europe for the online Kick-off Meeting of EU-MATTER (European Understanding - Mobilising Awareness through Training, Trust, Engagement and Representation), officially launching this new project funded under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme.
The kick-off meeting brought together representatives of all partner organisations to establish a shared understanding of the project’s objectives, methodology, and expected impact. During the meeting, partners discussed the overall work plan, upcoming activities, communication strategies, and coordination structures that will guide the project over the next 24 months. The session also provided space for partners to exchange perspectives on the current challenges facing European democracy and youth participation.
What is the project about?
EU-MATTER was designed in response to a growing set of challenges affecting democratic life in Europe, including low levels of youth participation, declining trust in institutions, and the increasing spread of disinformation. Many young people feel disconnected from decision-making processes at both local and European levels, despite being directly affected by policies related to education, employment, climate change, and social inclusion. EU-MATTER aims to address this disconnect by empowering young people to better understand how democracy works and by creating concrete opportunities for engagement.
The project will focus on young people aged 18–29, with particular attention to those from underrepresented and vulnerable backgrounds. Through a combination of civic education activities, national seminars, policy labs, and transnational exchanges, participants will strengthen their knowledge of EU institutions, democratic values, and policymaking processes. A key component of the project will be the use of digital tools and online spaces to support learning, dialogue, and cross-border collaboration.
One of the highlights of EU-MATTER will be a transnational civic hackathon, where young people from different countries will come together to co-create policy ideas and recommendations on key European challenges. These recommendations will be shared with decision-makers and stakeholders, reinforcing the project’s commitment to connecting youth voices with real policy discussions.
GEYC is proud to contribute to EU-MATTER by bringing its expertise in youth participation, digital engagement, and civic education. Through this project, we aim to support young people not only in gaining knowledge, but also in developing the confidence, skills, and motivation needed to actively participate in democratic life. Over the coming months, we will share updates on activities, opportunities for involvement, and project results as EU-MATTER unfolds.