Youth Bridges Europe

We’ll meet in Bosnia-Herzegovina (1-6 October 2025) and again in Germany (15-19 April 2026) to reflect on Europe’s past and its democratic future, learn from real stories, and build skills in critical thinking, civic action, and media literacy.

Through hands-on workshops, site visits, and intercultural exchange, we’ll explore how young people can shape democratic societies—especially in post-conflict contexts. We’ll connect past and present, learn about Bosnia’s reconciliation process, EU integration and participation tools, and reflect on how memory and media shape the future of democracy. Special attention will be paid to the perspectives and experiences of marginalised groups in these processes.

What activities will I engage in?

• 1 Digital Kick-Off before each exchange (starting with 10 September 2025 for the exchange on Bosnia): Meet your peers, get to know the partner organisations, and help co-create the exchange programme.
• Youth Exchange in Bosnia and Herzegovina ( 1-6 October 2025): Explore democracy and memory in a recent post-conflict society. Visit the Srebrenica Memorial Center, the War Childhood Museum, meet democracy and human rights activists and the Jewish community. Engage in survivor dialogues and workshops on civic participation, truth, and reconciliation. Co-create a Light and Sound Installation on Human Rights that will be shown in Cologne during the second meeting.
• Youth Exchange in Germany (15-19 April 2026): Discover democratic tools in action! From local to European participation, dive into workshops on media literacy and the European Citizens’ Initiative. Explore Cologne’s NS Documentation Center and participate in the Light and Sound Installation on Human Rights to present your shared vision of democracy.

After each exchange…

• You’ll have the chance to share your story—your reflections, experiences, and what you’ve learned—by co-authoring a blog that will be published on the International Democracy Community website.
• You’ll also take part in creating a final video that brings together moments from the programme.

How can I join?

Participation in Youth Bridges Europe is free of charge for all young people. The organisers will cover all costs, including your travel to and from Bosnia and Germany up to 300€. Simply complete the registration form below, and we will get back to you soon!

There are only a few criteria:

• You are between 16 and 27 years old.
• We want Youth Bridges Europe to include as many diverse voices as possible, so feel free to apply, especially if you identify as part of a politically or otherwise marginalised group.
• We will give priority to those joining both exchanges
• If you're a minor, you'll need the signature of your parents (minors will always be accompanied)

Registration for this edition as been closed.