NextGen Democracy: European Youth in Action – European values and European citizenship

Description of the Event (Erasmus Days Meeting – Stuttgart)
The project NextGen Democracy: European Youth in Action has been designed as a partnership of five schools from five European countries – Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Slovenia. It includes five international mobilities, each hosted by one of the partner schools. The project brings together 40 teachers and a total of 120 students (with 24 students from each country). Each mobility focuses on a specific aspect of democracy, European values, digital competences, sustainable development, and the importance of diversity and inclusion, aiming to strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, active citizenship, and intercultural awareness among young people.

The first mobility will take place in Stuttgart from 12 to 16 October 2025, and the project will be presented to a wider audience as part of Erasmus Days (13–16 October 2025). This event will bring together students and teachers from five European countries in an inspiring environment based on experiential learning, dialogue, and intercultural cooperation.

The programme will begin with the topic of European values and freedom of speech, including introductory activities, a Europe Direct workshop, and a visit to SWR, where students will take part in a Fake News workshop and explore the importance of verified information in the digital era.
The following day will feature a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where students will learn about the rule of law, European institutions, and the role of citizens in decision-making.
The third day will focus on human dignity, human rights and equality, through experiential activities, cooperative games, and an evening reflection after the film “The Wave”, which encourages critical thinking about social responsibility.
The final day will be dedicated to democracy in practice – students will present historical regimes, participate in discussions and a decision-making simulation, and conclude the programme with an activity in a climbing park, symbolising trust, collaboration, and courage – key values of a democratic community.

As the first of five mobilities, this event lays the foundation for shared learning and intercultural dialogue, while opening a space for young people to experience democracy as a living European value. Through cooperation and exchange, participants will discover Europe as a community of diverse yet interconnected cultures, built on dialogue, respect, and active engagement.