How can we ensure that young people's voices are better heard in the debate on the future of Europe? How can we strengthen their participation in decision-making, foster active citizenship and further develop programmes that support international mobility and civic engagement?
These questions were at the heart of the conference "Young people about Europe, Europe about young people: The voice of the Erasmus Generation in the debate on the future of the European Union", held on 19 March 2026 in Wrocław, Poland. The event was organised by Erasmus Student Network Poland as part of the international Speak Out project, in cooperation with ESN Wrocław Tech and Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
The conference brought together representatives of European and national institutions, universities, youth organisations, NGOs and students from across Poland. Together, they discussed the role of young people in shaping the future of the European Union, opportunities for civic participation and the challenges facing European programmes in the years ahead.
The post-conference report summarises the panel discussions and thematic sessions, during which participants explored topics such as:
- how young people can actively contribute to shaping the European Union,
- the future of the Erasmus+ Programme beyond 2027,
- the role of volunteering and the European Solidarity Corps in fostering active citizenship,
- building effective cooperation between young people and public authorities,
- strengthening civil society in Poland and across Europe.
Recommendations
Throughout the discussions, one message stood out clearly: young people are not only the future of Europe, they are also its present and want to play an active role in shaping the world around them.
One of the key outcomes of the conference is a set of policy recommendations developed on the basis of the discussions held during the panels and thematic sessions. They are addressed to European institutions, national and local public authorities, universities, youth organisations and civil society organisations.
The recommendations focus on:
- creating sustainable mechanisms for dialogue and shared decision-making with young people,
- strengthening the role of youth organisations in decision-making,
- developing local partnerships that foster youth engagement,
- improving communication about opportunities available to young people,
- increasing access to international mobility and volunteering,
- strengthening support systems for volunteering and civic engagement,
- developing civic education through practical experience,
- countering disinformation by strengthening civic and media literacy,
- strengthening the civic dimension of international mobility.
About the Speak Out project
The report was developed as part of the Speak Out project, co-funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme. The project aims to encourage young people to actively participate in democratic and civic life while strengthening their voice in the debate on the future of Europe. One of its key objectives is to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue between young people and the institutions responsible for shaping public policies.
We invite you to read the full report, which provides a detailed overview of the conference discussions, key conclusions and the complete set of recommendations developed during the event.
