Capacity Building Academy XV

The Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe is the oldest regional think tank in Vienna, with a geographical focus on Central, East and Southeast Europe, particularly the Danube Region. Through events, publications and educational activities, its experts work to transfer knowledge and initiate debates around key questions concerning the future of Europe. These questions include how to strengthen and guarantee a democratic, peaceful and resilient future, what policies can improve EU enlargement and integration processes, and which actions can enhance cross border cooperation in the region.  

During the Capacity Building Academy, IDM presented the EU ACT project, implemented within the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme. The project responds to a context in which more than 90 percent of Europeans believe their voice should be taken more into account, while many also feel that democracy in the European Union needs strengthening. At the same time, voter turnout in European Parliament elections remains low, and recent crises have created additional challenges. 

The project aimed to engage, connect and empower citizens, especially young people, by increasing participation in European policy making and strengthening trust in democratic processes. It seeks to contribute to a more open, rights based, democratic and inclusive Union grounded in the rule of law. EU ACT included a range of activities such as focus groups, small scale events, large public events, transnational reflection groups and an online platform. It was implemented in Austria, Slovakia, Greece and Ireland on topics relevant to young people in relation to European elections and the future of the Union. 

The outcomes of these activities were translated into recommendations. These included proposals to prepare for electoral reforms, strengthen knowledge building, improve communication, and introduce more participatory and deliberative formats. Suggestions also focused on creating youth councils, developing digital tools for participation, and strengthening cooperation between European institutions and citizens. 

Following the presentation, discussions focused on how to enhance citizens’ understanding of the European Union, increase participation and ensure that engagement leads to tangible outcomes across different regions.