This week, the European Youth Centre Budapest is hosting “Breaking the Barriers: Green Economics and Youth Political Participation in Eastern Europe,” a study session uniting 35 young participants from across Eastern Europe. The study session is organised in cooperation with the Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe (CDN). 

 The programme aims to equip young activists with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to navigate and challenge the socio-economic barriers preventing youth political participation in Eastern Europe.

 The 6-day study session will explore economic systems in the region, focusing on their impact on marginalised communities and obstacles to political engagement. Through interactive discussions on human rights, social justice, and Green economic models, the event will deepen participants’ understanding of economic inequality and its role in shaping access to political and social resources.

Guest lecturer Nađa Marković from Serbia's “A11 Initiative “, will provide context for discussions on solidarity, and fight for human rights within oppressive systems.

Council of Europe’s flagship campaign Democracy Here, Democracy Now will be presented as a good practice example highlighting young peoples’ role in revitalising democracy by Ruxanda Pandea, Senior Project Officer in the Youth Department of the Council Europe.

 A key component of the session will involve creating a practical toolkit, co-developed by participants, that will outline strategies and resources for addressing economic inequality through Green and human rights-based approaches. The toolkit, along with skills in advocacy and policy influence gained during the session, aims to empower participants to promote sustainable changes in their communities and create collective action.

 Learn more about the study session please visit the dedicated webpage.