Youth Innovating Democracy 2026: Fully Funded Event
Imagine a gathering where young people from across Europe come together to reshape democracy itself. The Youth Innovating Democracy 2026 event offers that chance. This fully funded gathering, hosted by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, from June 24 to 26, 2026, invites up to 120 participants to tackle big issues like disinformation and youth disengagement.
About the Youth Innovating Democracy Event
This event serves as a key part of the New Democratic Pact for Europe. It gives young leaders a space to share views on democracy, suggest fresh ideas, meet policymakers, and help build stronger democratic systems. The Council of Europe has long supported youth involvement in these processes, and this event continues that work.
Why This Event Matters
Democracy faces real threats today. In Europe and around the world, problems like democratic backsliding, fake news, low trust in leaders, and few young voices in politics stand out. The New Democratic Pact seeks to fix these by boosting participation and smart governance. Young people at this event will help drive those changes from the start.
Key Themes of the Event
The program focuses on three main areas to spark new ideas.
Juvenate Politics: Innovating the System
This theme looks at ways to get more young people into politics. Talks will cover youth roles in decisions, changes to voting rules like lower age limits or quotas, better civic education, and fuller inclusion in government.
Live Equality: The Promise of Democracy
Here, the focus turns to fairness for youth. Sessions will discuss access to rights, economic chances, effects of crises like job loss or health issues, and steps to end exclusion.
Empower Communities: Building Participation Ecosystems
This area explores support for youth action. It includes the work of youth groups and civil society, new models of shared decision-making, local projects, and safeguards for free speech.
Objectives of the Programme
The event sets clear goals. It draws youth into the New Democratic Pact, spotlights good examples of participation, builds talks between youth and leaders, spreads democratic values and rights, and creates a network of young changemakers.
Programme Structure
Over three days, expect a mix of activities. Plenary sessions feature political leaders. Workshops and discussions allow hands-on input. Creative tasks and networking build skills. In the end, participants craft policy ideas that feed into the Pact.
Participant Profile
Organizers want a wide range of voices. They seek reps from global youth groups, youth councils, activists in rights and democracy, movement members, delegates, and even young artists or journalists.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you need to fit these rules:
- Be 18 to 35 years old
- Live in a country signed to the European Cultural Convention (some exceptions apply)
- Work in English or French
- Commit to the full event dates
- Plan to take part in follow-up work
Selection Process
Up to 120 spots go to diverse applicants. Selection balances gender, regions, experience, and backgrounds. A waiting list fills any gaps.
Financial Support and Benefits
Everything is covered by the Council of Europe. This includes travel based on their rules, stay at the European Youth Centre or a nearby hotel, and all meals. Arrive June 23 and leave June 27, 2026.
Working Languages
English and French are the main languages. You must handle at least one well.
Why You Should Apply
This is your shot to meet European leaders, shape democracy, connect globally, grow skills, and gain notice.
Application Process
Fill out the official online form. Submit on time through the right platform. Late or missing info means no chance.
Application Deadline
The cutoff is April 19, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Check the full call for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Youth Innovating Democracy 2026 event?
It is a fully funded gathering hosted by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, from June 24 to 26, 2026, where up to 120 young people discuss and innovate on democracy issues like disinformation and youth disengagement.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old, live in a country signed to the European Cultural Convention, work in English or French, commit to the full event dates, and plan to join follow-up work.
What financial support is provided?
The Council of Europe covers travel based on their rules, accommodation at the European Youth Centre or a nearby hotel, and all meals for participants arriving June 23 and leaving June 27, 2026.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by April 19, 2026, at 23:59 CET through the official online form.