We’re starting 2026 with exciting news: GEYC has officially launched its multi-annual Operating Grant under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, funded by the European Commission. This funding supports our work as a European civil society organization, helping us scale up our efforts in the field of digital democracy, civic engagement, and youth participation.
This grant is part of a broader strategy - the PRISMA Framework for Digital Democracy and Citizenship - designed and coordinated by GEYC. It’s a 3-year initiative (2026–2028), which brings together partner organizations from several EU Member States to empower young people and communities to become active, informed, and resilient in the digital age.
What is the PRISMA Framework about?
PRISMA is all about strengthening democratic values and digital citizenship across Europe. Through a mix of national and European-level activities, we’ll tackle issues like:
- low youth participation in democratic life
- digital exclusion and disinformation
- online hate and cyber violence
- the need for better education on digital rights and responsibilities
And we’re not doing it alone! Together with our partners, we’re building a vibrant ecosystem of organizations, practitioners, young people, and institutions committed to meaningful civic engagement and digital innovation.
What to expect in 2026
This year marks the first year of implementation, and here are a few highlights to watch for:
✅ National Digital Democracy Labs - workshops and hackathons in each country, co-designed with local communities
✅ European Digital Citizenship Week - a campaign across around the International Day of Democracy (15 September)
✅ European Digital Youth Summit - bringing together experts and practitioners to exchange good practices on digital participation
✅ A growing community of volunteers, youth ambassadors, and change-makers across Europe
We’ll also continue to support our wider PRISMA Network and publish resources to help other organizations and educators explore and implement digital democracy initiatives.
Why this matters
In a time when democratic values are being tested, and digital spaces are becoming battlegrounds for misinformation, it’s more important than ever to equip young people and communities with the tools to participate, think critically, and make their voices heard.
This operating grant gives us the stability, resources, and collaborative power to do just that - not just through isolated projects, but through long-term, coordinated action at European level.