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One of the priorities of the Erasmus+ program is to involve citizens in democratic processes and provide them with information about the European Union. The program helps citizens overcome difficulties, integrate them into civil society and increase their political and social self-awareness. Educating EU citizens on these principles is crucial for the future of the Union. In addition to formal education, non-formal learning can improve citizens' understanding of the EU and strengthen their sense of belonging.

The Erasmus+ program supports active citizenship and ethics in lifelong learning. It promotes the development of social and intercultural competences, critical thinking and media literacy. That is why, in the selection process, priority is given to projects that renew people's ability to participate in democratic life, as well as social and civic engagement through formal and informal learning activities. Emphasis is placed on raising awareness and understanding of the EU context, especially the EU's shared values, principles of unity and diversity, as well as their social , about cultural and historical heritage.

In the field of youth, the youth participation strategy (Youth Participation Strategy), ensures that the program is used to promote youth participation in democratic life. The strategy aims to improve the quality of youth participation in the program in line with key EU youth policy documents such as the EU Youth Strategy and the EU Youth Goals (EU Youth Goals). Tools for youth participation (Youth Participation Toolkit) accompanies the strategy and aims, from a practical point of view, to increase the participation of young people in each action of the program.

Additional links: 

Erasmus+ horizontal priorities: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-a/priorities-of-the-erasmus-programme

Youth Participation Strategy: https://www.salto-youth.net/rc/participation/ypstrategy/

EU Youth Strategy: https://youth.europa.eu/strategy/european-youth-goals_en

EU Youth Goals: https://participationpool.eu/toolkit

 

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Participation in democratic life, common values ​​and civic engagement

 

The Erasmus+ Program addresses the citizens' limited participation in democratic processes and their lack of knowledge about the European Union, and tries to help them overcome the difficulties in actively engaging and participating in their communities and in the Union's political and social life. Strengthening citizens' understanding of the European Union from an early age is crucial for the Union's future. In addition to formal education, non-formal learning can enhance citizens' understanding of the European Union and foster a sense of belonging.

The program supports active citizenship and ethics in lifelong learning; it fosters the development of social and intercultural competences, critical thinking and media literacy. Priority is given to projects that offer opportunities for people's participation in democratic life, as well as social and civic engagement through formal or non-formal learning activities. The focus is put on raising awareness of and understanding the European Union context, notably in regards to the common EU values, the principles of unity and diversity, as well as their social, cultural and historical heritage.

In the field of youth, the Youth Participation Strategy has been designed to provide a common framework and support the use of the Program to foster youth participation in democratic life. The Strategy aims to improve the quality of youth participation in the Program and complements key EU Youth Policy documents, such as the EU Youth Strategy and the EU Youth Goals. The Youth Participation Toolkit accompanies the Strategy and aims to, in practical terms, enhance the participation of young people in each of the actions of the Programme.

Additional links: 

Erasmus+ Horizontal priorities: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-a/priorities-of-the-erasmus-programme

The Youth Participation Strategy: https://www.salto-youth.net/rc/participation/ypstrategy/

The EU Youth Goals: https://youth.europa.eu/strategy/european-youth-goals_en

The Youth Participation Toolkit: https://participationpool.eu/toolkit/