From February 4 to 11, the European Youth Centre Budapest hosted the Active and Inclusive Citizenship Lab, a study session organised by the European Youth Parliament (EYP) and Understanding Europe in cooperation with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe.

 Throughout the week, participants reflected on what it truly means to be an active citizen. They had insightful discussions on topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as project management and diversity-oriented organisational development, equipping them with practical tools to apply in their work. Janis Fifka, Member of the EYP Governing Body gave a crash course on active citizenship and participants gained insights into crafting inclusive messages during a reflective exercise. Led by trainers Inês Rodrigues, Jerennil Soylu, and Daniela Cappuccio from Understanding Europe, the Lab employed various methodologies to enhance capacities and provide a platform for designing actionable project plans.

 Veronika Juhász from the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party gave external input on community action and their approach to tackling societal issues in a creative and provocative way, making politics relevant, funny, and visible to citizens. As the week progressed, participants had time to work on their projects, ranging from creating videos and podcasts on active citizenship to developing guiding documents for inclusive event management.

 Beyond the intensive learning sessions, social activities such as karaoke, quiz night, and scavenger hunts provided time to get to know each other, explore Budapest and forge friendships!

 More information about the study session can be found on the dedicated webpage.