The project Cyprus Forum Cities 2026: Youth Voices on Democracy and Europe is implemented under the Erasmus+ programme and aims to strengthen youth participation in democratic life. The initiative focuses on empowering young people in Cyprus to actively engage in public debate, particularly in the context of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the national elections in 2026. By creating inclusive spaces for dialogue and learning, the project seeks to enhance young people’s understanding of democratic processes and strengthen their connection with decision-makers.
The flagship activity of the project will be the Cyprus Forum Cities 2026 event in Limassol, which will bring together around 100 young people aged 16–30 to discuss topics such as democracy, civic participation, the EU Presidency, and national elections. Preparatory workshops and capacity-building activities will take place before the event, while follow-up actions will focus on developing youth-led policy recommendations to be shared with institutions and stakeholders.
The project is expected to enhance young people’s civic knowledge, develop skills such as critical thinking, debate, and teamwork, and encourage their active engagement in democratic processes. Through the dissemination of its outcomes and youth policy proposals, the initiative will contribute to strengthening trust in democratic institutions and promoting a culture of participatory dialogue at local, national, and European levels.