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Article written by
Anne Hardt
Lead Fundraising & Projects
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Location
Vienna Youth Hostel Myrthengasse
Myrthengasse
1070 Vienna
Austria
In a nutshell
The Democracy Camp is your five-day-intercultural exchange on democracy, media, inclusion and Europe - and the interconnections between them. Join our community of 65 young people from 16 to 26 years of age from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Austria and Ukraine.
What exactly does that mean?
On 3-7 September 2025, we'll explore two guiding questions: What participation tools are available to me? And how can I use these tools to promote a democratic and inclusive Europe?
Together we'll identify a wide variety of democratic best practices around media and inclusion. We'll expand our understanding of political levels from the city to the role of the EU. And we'll advance skills relevant for political participation and running successful projects in the future.
You're interested in becoming a part of our Democracy Camp 2025?
Register here to join your country delegation and meet the other 64 exciting young Europeans in Austria from 3 to 7 September. Please don't forget to add your information about allergies, food preferences and all the other needed information so we can prepare your stay in the best way possible. The questions with an asterisk are mandatory, all other questions are optional but help us to achieve e.g. a gender balance within our group.
We can't wait for five days of fun, exchange, and participation!
Practical information
Before heading to Democracy Camp 2025, here are a few important things to keep in mind.
Things You Shouldn't Forget:
- ID/Passport
- Towels
- Games
- Instruments
- Sports Equipment
- Personal Medication & Allergy Medication
- Rain Gear
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- Optional: Laptop/Tablet for working with online tools like Miro
Note:
- Bed linen is provided.
- Hairdryers and power adapters can be borrowed from reception.
Accommodation at the Democracy Camp 2025
The Democracy Camp 2025 will take place in Austria, beginning with two days in Vienna, Europe’s Democracy Capital, where centuries-old imperial architecture stands alongside a thriving, modern cultural scene. On day three, we’ll head to Linz, home of Ars Electronica, Austria’s dynamic cultural and industrial hub, where historic charm meets innovation.
Vienna
In Vienna, we’ll be staying at 1070 Vienna Youth Hostel Myrthengasse, conveniently located in the city center near the Museum Quarter and Spittelberg. Many attractions and shopping areas are within walking distance, and public transportation options (subway, bus, tram) are easily accessible.
Some more details about Vienna Youth Hostel Myrthengasse:
- included breakfast-buffet offers you a good start in a new day - daily from 06:45 a.m.
- The hostel offers a courtyard, lounge areas with TV, free Wi-Fi in select areas, and games like table football.
- Towels are not included . You can purchase a set of two towels at reception for €7.50.
- Dormitory Rooms (4-6 beds per room, bunk beds, gender-separated, shared bathroom)
- Location
Linz
In Linz, we’ll stay at Youth Hostel Linz, which is centrally located with easy access to public transport and key attractions.
Some more details about Youth Hostel Linz:
- All rooms include a shower and toilet.
- Bed linen is provided.
- Dormitory Rooms (4 beds per room, bunk beds, gender-separated)
- Location
Programme Democracy Camp 2025
We’re excited to share the preliminary programme for Democracy Camp 2025, set in the heart of Europe’s democracy capital — Vienna — and the innovative city of Linz, home of Ars Electronica! Please note that at this stage, we are still developing some aspects of the programme and it may be subject to changes.
| Time | Activity | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:00 | Check-in participants/ Arrival to Vienna | tbd | ||
| 15:00 | Introduction and rules discussion, Get-to-know-you game | tbd | ||
| 16:30 | Introduction to the 2024 handbook on youth participation and plans for further developments and updates in 2025. | tbd | ||
| 17:00 | World Café 1 on participation and democratic trends in the different countries | tbd | ||
| 18:15 | Info block Arrival | tbd | ||
| 18:30 | Democracy-Schnitzel-hunt | tbd | ||
| 19:30 | Dinner | tbd |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast | |
| 08:45 | Info block Thursday | |
| 09:00 | Critical guided tour. Reflecting on the past, looking into the future | |
| 12:30 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 | Visit to the city council | |
| 16:00 | Workshop on media and democracy in Austria | |
| 17:15 | Workshop with Freies Radio/Fernsehen on podcasting | |
| 18:15 | Return to accommodation | |
| 19:00 | Dinner | |
| 20:00 | Info Block Friday | |
| 20:15 | reflection round and programme organised by participants |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast | |
| 09:00 | World Café part 2: Storytelling tables on lived youth participation. | |
| 11:00 | Transfer from Vienna to Linz | |
| 13:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 | Meeting with local initiatives on integration/anti-discrimination. | |
| 15:45 | Right-wing pressure in Europe. | |
| 18:00 | Reflection round | |
| 18:30 | Free time | |
| 20:00 | Dinner |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast | |
| 08:45 | Info block Saturday | |
| 09:00 | Democracy in Practice: Market of opportunities. | |
| 12:00 | Skills for effective political participation (Part 1) | |
| 13:00 | Lunch | |
| 15:00 | Guided tour Ars Electronica | |
| 17:15 | Workshop: Skills for effective political participation (Part 2) | |
| 18:30 | Dinner | |
| 19:15 | Info block Sunday | |
| 20:30 | Final event Party-cipate/ Visit to Klangwolke |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:15 | Info block Sunday | |
| 10:30-12:30 | Idea Brunch to extend the 2024-handbook | |
| 11:15- 12:00 | Final discussion, Feedback Round | |
| 12:30-14:15 | Closing Remarks and Goodbye |
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Apply here for the Democracy Camp 2025
Team
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Volunteer European Solidarity Corps
Beka Margiani
Georgia
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Citizen participation