Speak Out project - implementation of the Local Engagement Phase
Between October 2025 and January 2026, the Speak Out project reached a key milestone with the implementation of its Local Phase, during which 11 local dialogue and engagement activities were organised by ESN partner organisations across Europe.
The Speak Out project aims to promote intercultural societies, and by focusing on democratic participation, solidarity, and dialogue, it empowers young people to become active changemakers while fostering an inclusive vision of Europe. The Local Phase played a central role in translating these objectives into concrete, local action.
Creating Spaces for Youth Dialogue and Participation
The Local Phase was designed to give young people the opportunity to practice democratic engagement in their own communities. Each partner organised a local activity, bringing together young people, youth organisations, and institutional stakeholders. In total, over 345 young people coming from more than 11 countries took part in the activities.
Across different national and local contexts, the activities created safe and inclusive spaces where participants could exchange views on EU actions and policies, discuss youth priorities directly with local decision-makers, and reflect on how local participation connects to national and European decision-making.
From Discussion to Democratic Skills
While formats varied, including debates, panel discussions, workshops, simulations, and role-playing exercises, all Local Phase activities shared common objectives: to encourage young people to express their views, strengthen their confidence, and build practical skills for democratic participation.
Participants engaged directly with representatives from municipalities, universities, National Agencies, Europe Direct centres, youth councils, and civil society organisations. These exchanges allowed young people not only to voice concerns and ideas, but also to better understand decision-making processes and explore ways to influence them at the local and European levels.
Many activities also linked discussions to concrete European topics, such as youth policies, mobility programmes, active citizenship, and the future of mobility opportunities, helping participants connect everyday realities with broader EU frameworks.
Local Impact with a European Perspective
Feedback from across the 11 activities highlighted strong engagement and positive outcomes. Participants reported increased awareness of EU opportunities, greater confidence in expressing their opinions, and stronger motivation to remain active in civic life, whether through youth organisations, volunteering, advocacy initiatives, or further dialogue with institutions.
Beyond individual learning, the Local Phase also strengthened local networks and partnerships, with several activities leading to follow-up actions, continued cooperation with stakeholders, and plans for future youth engagement initiatives.
Strengthening Youth Voices Across Europe
The Speak Out Local Phase demonstrated how local dialogue can strengthen European democracy. By bringing together young people with different backgrounds and experiences, and by facilitating meaningful interaction with decision-makers, the activities reinforced the idea that youth participation is essential at all levels of democratic life.
Through mutual learning, open dialogue, and active engagement, the Local Phase contributed to building more informed, confident, and connected young people — ready to continue shaping their communities and Europe’s future from the local level upwards.
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