From June 25 to July 2 — 2024, educators, youth workers, trainers, and project managers from nine countries: Ukraine, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Moldova, Slovakia, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, and Romania came together in Izvoare, Romania. The seminar focused on EU policies, Erasmus+ Key Action 2, and strategies for enhancing international collaboration.
We are proud that Marius Barb represented AGOJE, actively contributing to discussions, exchanging ideas, and building new partnerships. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to connect and develop future projects that will drive meaningful change. A special thank you to Ingens Risus and everyone involved in making this event a success. We can confidently say that this is just the beginning of many impactful collaborations!
Goal: The seminar aimed to create a collaborative space for youth workers, trainers, youth leaders, youth project managers, and staff of youth organizations to enhance their understanding of EU policies and the Erasmus Key Action 2 framework.
This would foster collaboration and the development of projects that contribute to achieving the EU Youth Goals.
Objectives:
Provide the opportunity for 18 youth workers, trainers, youth leaders, project managers, and staff to exchange ideas, best practices, and local realities in order to connect and build professional relationships in the field of youth work;
Increase participants' understanding of relevant EU policies and the Erasmus KA2 framework, including brainstorming, planning, and designing projects that align with the EU Youth Goals;
Establish channels and support groups for continuous feedback and improvement of youth project applications, aiming to submit at least three project applications by the next deadline.
The seminar united 18 dedicated educators, youth workers, trainers, teachers, and project managers from diverse backgrounds across Ukraine, Türkiye, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, Slovakia, Croatia, Italy, Portugal and Romania. This dynamic gathering fostered collaboration and empowered participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop impactful KA2 projects, strengthening international cooperation and innovation in education.
The seminar centred on collaboration and the exchange of ideas, opinions, and practices, allowing participants to learn from challenges faced in different countries — from gender inequality in Türkiye, the lack of quality learning opportunities in Moldova and school dropout in rural areas in Romania to the war in Ukraine.
Through discussions and hands-on activities, they simulated project writing, shared experiences, and learned by doing, strengthening their capacity to develop impactful initiatives.
The 18 participants engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas, deepening their understanding of the EU Youth Goals and the four horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme. Through discussions, workshops, and collaborative exercises, they explored ways to align their projects with inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and active participation. The seminar fostered meaningful connections, creating a strong network of professionals committed to cross-border collaboration and innovative youth work.
The EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 is a framework established by the Council of the European Union to enhance cooperation in the youth sector.
It centres on three core objectives:
Engage: Encouraging young people to participate actively in democratic and civic activities.
Connect: Promoting opportunities for young individuals to connect across Europe and beyond, fostering learning mobility, solidarity, and intercultural understanding.
Empower: Supporting youth empowerment through quality, innovation, and recognition of youth work.
These objectives aim to provide young Europeans with the resources and opportunities necessary to participate fully in society, develop their potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities, local initiatives, cultural life, and the broader European society.
The EU Youth Goals, adopted in 2018 as part of the EU Youth Strategy (2019–2027), outline key areas for improving youth policies and opportunities across Europe. They are:
Connecting EU with Youth
Equality of All Genders
Inclusive Societies
Information & Constructive Dialogue
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Moving Rural Youth Forward
Quality Employment for All
Quality Learning
Space and Participation for All
Sustainable Green Europe
Youth Organizations & European Programs