Europe(s) – from Greek goddess to the concept of community
The project explores the evolution of European identity, fosters critical thinking about shared values, and equips youth workers with tools for engaging young people in shaping Europe's future through dialogue and active citizenship. The training, with youth from the EU and neighbouring countries, delivered hands-on training in advocacy and lobbying in Yerevan.
Location
Yerevan, Armenia
Duration
July 2025
Funding Program
Erasmus+, Anefore
Focus Areas
European identity, active citizenship, advocacy and lobbying, EU decision-making, migration policies, human rights, youth engagement
Key Activities
Team-building activities, European Parliament simulation, advocacy and lobbying training, EU migration policy analysis, EU Delegation visit, religious complex visit
Key Activities & Learning
Introduction and Team Building
The first day set the tone for an inspiring journey: we got to know each other, took part in fun team-building activities, co-created a community agreement, and explored the project's main objectives.
Advocacy and Lobbying Training
Over two powerful days, participants: explored what effective advocacy looks like in EU decision-making, took part in a European Parliament simulation, where lobbyists negotiated urgent action under Rule 150, and shared their visions for democratic influence and change. Together with youth from the EU and neighbouring countries, IFRD delivered hands-on training in advocacy and lobbying in Yerevan.
Migration and Human Rights Sessions
Days 4 & 5 diving into the urgent realities of migration, borders, and human rights in Europe and beyond — alongside youth from across the EU and neighboring regions. In one powerful session, we: broke down EU migration policies with real-world data, discussed how to engage critically—without turning suffering into a simulation, and highlighted human consequences along routes like the Tunisia–Libya corridor, where modern slavery still exists.
EU Delegation Visit and Exchange
In the framework of the training course "Europe(s) – from Greek goddess to the concept of community" our participants visited the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia and exchange ideas how EU delegation can support civil society to address the needs of specific vulnerable groups across the Armenia, how EU supports also the Armenian government in their reforms in education, optimization, legislation…Participants had an opportunity to ask their questions in the EU policy in relation to non-EU countries.
Cultural and Religious Site Visits
We also visited Armenia's main religious complex and met with the EU Delegation to learn more about how the EU supports youth, education, and migration initiatives in the region.
Project Outcomes & Impact
Enhanced Advocacy Skills and EU Understanding
Over two powerful days, participants: explored what effective advocacy looks like in EU decision-making, took part in a European Parliament simulation, where lobbyists negotiated urgent action under Rule 150, and shared their visions for democratic influence and change. This is what youth-led advocacy looks like.
Youth Engagement in Shaping Europe's Future
The project aims to explore the evolution of European identity, foster critical thinking about shared values and legacies, and equip youth workers with tools to engage young people in shaping Europe's future through dialogue, inclusion, and active citizenship.
Critical Engagement with Migration and Human Rights
Days 4 & 5 diving into the urgent realities of migration, borders, and human rights in Europe and beyond. In one powerful session, we: broke down EU migration policies with real-world data, discussed how to engage critically—without turning suffering into a simulation, and highlighted human consequences along routes like the Tunisia–Libya corridor, where modern slavery still exists.
Future Career Pathways in EU Advocacy
We're proud of the energy, ideas, and feedback from the group — and excited that some even expressed interest in joining IFRD as interns in Brussels!Retry
