Navigating the Polarities of Democracy for Empowered Youth Participation is an Erasmus+ project aimed at empowering young people to actively participate in democratic life. The project introduces young people to the Polarities of Democracy framework while developing their critical thinking, media literacy and civic engagement skills.

The project brings together youth and organisations from Bulgaria, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Hungary and Croatia and combines online learning, international activities and local youth participation initiatives.

From May to October 2026, the project features a series of six online webinars, with one webinar taking place each month. Each session explores a different aspect of the Polarities of Democracy framework and features a key guest speaker with expertise in the topic. Through expert input, interactive discussions and reflection, participants explore different democratic values and the tensions between them.

• 26 May 2026: Introduction to Polarity Thinking — Dr. William Benet
• 23 June 2026: Freedom & Authority — Dr. Venelin Stoychev
• 23 July 2026: Justice & Due Process — Dr. Morris Bidjerano
• 18 August 2026: Diversity & Equality — Dr. Stanimir Kiskinov
• 24 September 2026: Human Rights & Communal Obligations — Dr. Lindsay Burr
• 27 October 2026: Participation & Representation — Ralitsa Rumenova

As part of the project, 40 young people aged 18–30 from Bulgaria, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Hungary and Croatia came together in Samokov, Bulgaria for a 7-day international training on the Polarities of Democracy. The training focused on democratic participation, critical thinking and youth leadership through practical activities, discussions and international exchange.

A special guest of the training was Dr. William Benet from the Institute for Polarities of Democracy, who contributed to the participants’ learning experience.

As part of the training programme, a Youth Forum for Democracy was organised, bringing together the international participants and local young people from Samokov. The forum provided an opportunity to discuss how young people can participate more actively in local decision-making, what challenges they face, and what they would like to change in their city. More than 40 local young people and stakeholders joined the forum, creating a space for dialogue between young people and the local community.