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EU-MATTER · European Fellowship on Democratic Engagement
Young Voices Shaping Europe
EU-MATTER Fellows at the Local Communities Summit - Summitul Comunităților Locale
| ● | Date: 16 July 2026 |
| ● | Location: Romanian Parliament, Bucharest |
| ● | Event: Local Communities Summit – Shaping the Future of the European Budget 2028–2034, organised by Europuls |
On 16 July 2026, three members of the European Fellowship on Democratic Engagement (EFDE), implemented by GEYC and IVC within the EU-MATTER project, took part in the Local Communities Summit – Shaping the Future of the European Budget 2028–2034, hosted at the Romanian Parliament.
Organised by Europuls as the closing event of the COHERO4EU project, the Summit brought together representatives of European institutions, national and local authorities, civil society organisations, academia and the private sector to discuss one of the European Union’s most important policy processes: the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034.
Three key areas shaped the conversation
For Giulia Mîndroc, Alexandra Oancea and Alexia Rotaru, the event offered much more than an opportunity to observe policy discussions. It provided direct insight into how European priorities are translated into financial decisions and how citizens, particularly young people, can contribute to these conversations.
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Looking beyond funding
One of the strongest messages highlighted throughout the Summit was that the European Union should not be viewed simply as a source of financial resources.
The EU should be understood as a strategic partner for development, rather than merely as a “wallet” from which Member States receive funding.
Discussions focused on how European resources should generate long-term impact through stronger cooperation, better governance and investments that genuinely respond to local needs. Speakers also underlined the importance of learning from previous programming periods and improving the implementation of EU funds.
Another recurring question was whether European funds truly reach ordinary citizens. Participants discussed the need to strengthen administrative capacity, reduce bureaucracy and ensure that investments produce tangible results for communities across Romania.
Competitiveness and cohesion go hand in hand
The Summit also explored the future architecture of the European budget through discussions on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund and the future of the European Social Fund Plus.
Our fellows noted that competitiveness cannot be separated from social cohesion. Investments in innovation, research and economic growth must be accompanied by investments in education, skills, employment and social inclusion if Europe is to remain resilient and competitive in the long term.
Key priorities highlighted during the discussions:
- Stronger educational institutions and more equitable access to education;
- Digital skills adapted to a changing labour market;
- Investment in innovation, research and sustainable development;
- Better public services and stronger support for vulnerable communities.
Education emerged as one of the central topics of the day, with speakers highlighting the importance of strengthening educational institutions, expanding digital skills and ensuring equal access to quality education, particularly in smaller and less developed communities.
Why youth participation matters
Beyond the policy discussions themselves, the Summit demonstrated the value of involving young people in conversations that shape Europe’s future.
Participants appreciated the opportunity to engage with representatives from European institutions, national ministries, academia and civil society, gaining a better understanding of how public policies are negotiated and how different stakeholders contribute to European decision-making.
“The event confirmed how important it is for young people to take part in these debates and understand how European decisions influence the development of our societies.
Another participant reflected that a stronger European Union is not built only in Brussels or national institutions - it is built within communities, where citizens are actively involved in shaping public policies.
This idea reflects the purpose of the EU-MATTER Fellowship: empowering young Europeans to engage with democratic processes and contribute to Europe’s future.
Learning by engaging
Participation in events such as the Local Communities Summit complements the learning journey of the European Fellowship on Democratic Engagement.
While seminars provide participants with the knowledge needed to understand European institutions and policies, experiences like this allow them to observe these processes in practice, interact with policymakers and reflect critically on the challenges facing the European Union.
From knowledge to action
Through opportunities like these, EU-MATTER supports young people in moving from learning about European democracy to actively participating in it.
European Fellowship on Democratic Engagement · EU-MATTER
Implemented by GEYC and IVC