Main Aim

The main aim of E.C.H.O is to empower young people to become active, informed, and confident contributors to democratic processes. By building their knowledge of the EU Youth Strategy, developing their leadership skills, and supporting youth-led dialogue activities, the project helps amplify youth voices at local, national, and European levels.

Objectives:

1. Increase awareness of the EU Youth Strategy and Youth Goals: Across the nine participating countries, the project helps young people understand the EU Youth Strategy, learn about the 11 Youth Goals, and explore how these goals relate to their daily lives and communities.

2. Strengthen youth participation in democratic life: The project supports young people in organising and leading youth dialogues, public discussions, and community-based activities that encourage active citizenship.

3. Build youth leadership and advocacy skills: Through training, workshops, and international exchanges, participants develop skills in communication, policy dialogue, digital participation, event organisation, and community engagement.

4. Create a long-term European network of engaged young people

E.C.H.O fosters cooperation among youth from eight countries, building connections and opening long-term opportunities for collaboration, activism, and European civic engagement.

Main Activities:

1. Participatory Action Research (PAR)

The project began with a large-scale youth survey involving 108 young people from the partner countries. The findings helped identify:

• awareness levels of the EU Youth Strategy,

• youth concerns and priorities,

• gaps in participation,

• key issues such as mental health, gender equality, sustainability, and employment.

These insights shaped the full project design.

2. Youth Mobility and Exchange Programme

A structured programme of eight international youth exchanges (192 young participants in total) will give young people hands-on experience in:

• policy dialogue,

• advocacy,

• community involvement,

• leadership training,

• cross-cultural learning.

These exchanges will be hosted by the partner organisations across Europe.

3. Training for Dialogue Leaders

Young participants will be trained to plan and run local youth dialogue events in their communities. They will learn:

• how to lead discussions,

• how to present Youth Goals,

• how to engage stakeholders,

• how to document youth voices for policy recommendations.

4. National Youth Dialogues & Community Events

Each partner will organise structured youth dialogue sessions focusing on:

• mental health,

• gender equality,

• quality learning,

• sustainability,

• participation and civic engagement.

At least 18 youth dialogues will take place across the consortium.

5. Digital ECHO Hub

A central online platform will be created with at least 600 active users, hosting:

• toolkits and guides,

• interactive learning materials,

• youth dialogue templates,

• videos, stories, and best practices,

• policy recommendations.

This hub will remain available beyond the project.

6. European Youth Policy Recommendations

All youth voices collected throughout the project will contribute to a set of policy recommendations shared with:

• local authorities,

• national youth councils,

• European youth policy stakeholders.

Expected Results

1. Increased youth awareness of EU youth policies

Young people will gain a clear understanding of:

• the EU Youth Strategy (2019–2027),

• the 11 Youth Goals,

• their role in shaping democratic life.

2. Stronger youth participation and civic engagement

More young people will take part in policy dialogues and community decision-making, supported by youth-led action.

3. New skills and confidence among young people

Participants will become more confident in public speaking, teamwork, digital participation, advocacy, and organising community events.

4. A European network of youth activists

The project will create an active, cross-border network of young people who stay connected, collaborate, and continue shaping democratic initiatives.

5. Youth-led policy recommendations

Concrete proposals based on the voices of young people will be delivered to decision-makers at various levels.

6. Long-term digital resource hub

The ECHO Hub will contain practical tools and materials that can be used by youth workers, educators, and organisations long after the project ends.