EU Horizon 2040: Youth Summits for Europe’s Future

Duration: 24 months (from January 2026 - December 2027)

Aim of the project

In today’s rapidly evolving political environment, there is a growing need for young people to be better informed and more actively engaged in socio-political processes and decision-making. Existing analyses indicate that only a very small proportion of young people have a clear understanding of the processes, mechanisms, and policies of both the European Union and their respective Member States.

The project “EU Horizon 2040: Youth Summits for Europe’s Future” (EUH40) aims to foster the exchange of information, ideas, and perspectives on the future priorities and challenges of Union policies by creating structured spaces for transnational dialogue, enabling young citizens and education professionals to actively participate in shaping the future of European integration.

Through local civic “Future Labs,” national dialogue circles, and the flagship “EU Horizon 2040: Youth Summits for Europe’s Future,” young people will articulate their vision for Europe, contributing to stronger democratic participation and the development of a shared sense of European identity. 

The project addresses CERV Priority 1 — promoting exchanges on future Union policy priorities and challenges — by establishing structured frameworks for transnational dialogue and participatory policymaking.

Activities include blended workshops, participatory debates, digital engagement hackathons, and the co-creation of a “Youth Vision 2040” Declaration.

Activities

• Establishing structured dialogue cycles that connect local discussions, transnational exchanges, and policy-level dialogue, ensuring coherence and continuity across all levels of engagement. 
• Applying a blended participation approach that combines in-person activities with digital tools, allowing broader and more flexible engagement for participants across different contexts. 
• Using participatory and co-creation methodologies, including interactive workshops and “Future Labs,” where participants collaboratively develop ideas and policy visions. 
• Promoting capacity building and peer learning among partners, strengthening skills, knowledge exchange, and cooperation across participating organisations. 
• Enhancing visibility and ensuring the long-term sustainability of results beyond the project lifecycle through digital dissemination tools that amplify the project’s impact.

Expected results

• The project brings together and consolidates young people’s visions for the future of Europe through structured local and transnational dialogue processes that foster meaningful exchange and collective reflection. 
• It translates youth-generated ideas and perspectives into concrete, youth-driven policy recommendations addressed to local, national, and European decision-makers. 
• It amplifies young people’s voices at European level through digital tools, policy pitch videos, and targeted communication activities designed to increase outreach and impact. 
• It ensures the sustainability of youth civic engagement by establishing a transnational youth policy network that continues its work beyond the project’s lifetime.

Partners

• ENID – European Network for Inclusive Dialogue (Spain)
• IFOM (Italy)
• Association Mundus Bulgaria - Bulgaria
• LS - Learning Seed (Greece)
• SPARK Foundation (Poland)