Young People Explore European Values in Tannroda

From 1 to 6 June 2026, the Youth Exchange of the Promoting EU Values Across Borders project brought together young people from France, Germany and Poland in Tannroda, Germany, hosted by our partner Next Level e.V.

This activity is part of the Erasmus+ KA210-YOU project Promoting EU Values Across Borders, coordinated by Fundacja Kordon in cooperation with Association Petite Graine and Next Level e.V. The project aims to strengthen young people’s understanding of European values, encourage civic participation, and promote inclusion, solidarity and migrant integration.

Over several days, participants took part in a non-formal learning programme focused on European values and their role in everyday life. The activities explored topics such as democracy, human rights, equality, human dignity, freedom, the rule of law, non-discrimination and active youth participation in local communities.

The programme combined reflection sessions, workshops, local visits, team-building activities, group discussions and intercultural moments. Participants worked on migrant integration in the European Union, took part in debate and cooperation exercises, and explored the city of Erfurt as a space for learning, dialogue and exchange.

The activities implemented highlighted strong messages:

• human rights protect the dignity of every person;
• equality means that everyone should have real chances to participate;
• democracy is not only about voting, but also about listening, dialogue and responsibility;
• the rule of law protects people from arbitrary power and ensures that rules apply to everyone;
• inclusion starts with concrete acts of respect, welcome and solidarity.

The Youth Exchange also invited participants to reflect on their own role in society. How can we defend human rights in everyday life? How can we react to stereotypes or hate speech? How can we create more inclusive spaces for young people, including those facing social, economic, geographical or migration-related barriers? How can a European experience become local action?

These questions are at the heart of the project’s Dissemination and Awareness Campaign. The materials created during the exchange, including posters, testimonies and learning moments, will continue to be used to raise awareness among a wider audience about European values, inclusion and civic participation.

For Association Petite Graine, this activity marks an important step in the project. It shows how non-formal education can help young people better understand Europe, express their opinions, learn from realities in other countries and feel capable of taking action in their own communities.

European values become stronger when they are put into practice. In Erfurt, young people did not only learn about them. They discussed them, drew them, questioned them and lived them together.

Project: Promoting EU Values Across Borders
Programme: Erasmus+ KA210-YOU Small-scale partnerships in youth
Partners: Fundacja Kordon, Association Petite Graine, Next Level e.V.
Location: Erfurt, Germany
Dates: 1 to 6 June 2026

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.