“EUtopia?” training course for youth workers from EU, SEE and EECA regions

A training course exploring diversity, democratic values, social cohesion and the role of youth work in a changing Europe shaped by geopolitical and social transformations.

Europe is undergoing significant transformation. Since 2022, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped the political landscape, accelerating EU enlargement and raising new challenges related to democracy, social cohesion, migration, disinformation and polarisation. These changes directly affect young people, making questions of identity, belonging, diversity and participation central to youth work today.

EUtopia? – Diversity in a Changing Europe invites youth workers and youth leaders to reflect on these developments and explore how youth work can respond to a rapidly changing reality. The training builds on the EUtopia? concept developed by the Latvian National Agency and SALTO Resource Centres, updated for 2026.

Aim
To strengthen the capacity of youth work practitioners to understand current changes in Europe and promote diversity, inclusion, democratic participation and social cohesion.

Objectives
Participants will:
• analyse key political and social developments affecting young people;
• explore the impact of EU enlargement and geopolitical changes on youth work;
• deepen understanding of diversity as a democratic value;
• examine how issues such as war, migration, disinformation and polarisation influence youth;
• strengthen competences in addressing discrimination, radicalisation and hate speech;
• exchange practices and develop innovative approaches;
• identify opportunities within Erasmus+, ESC and other programmes.

Methodology
The training uses non-formal education methods, including experiential learning, dialogue, peer exchange, simulations and workshops. Participants are encouraged to actively contribute and share their experiences.

Focus areas include:
• values-based youth work;
• critical thinking and media literacy;
• intercultural learning;
• youth participation;
• inclusion of displaced and migrant youth.

Who should participate?
Youth workers and youth leaders with practical experience who are motivated to apply the learning in their communities.

Why Moldova?
Chișinău provides a meaningful context as Moldova, like Ukraine, represents a new stage of European integration and resilience. Participants will gain insights from a candidate country perspective and engage with local actors.

Expected outcomes
Participants will:
• better understand diversity in today’s Europe;
• strengthen their response to current challenges;
• develop practical tools for inclusive youth work;
• build international partnerships;
• join a European network of practitioners.

EUtopia? is an invitation to reflect and co-create the future of Europe, where diversity is seen as a key strength.

Your kind of training?

Apply now!Application deadline (24h UTC): 9 August 2026Date of selection: 19 August 2026

Training overview

http://trainings.salto-youth.net/15118

This Training Course is

for 25 participants

from Eastern Partnership countries , Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries , Western Balkan countries 

and recommended for

Youth workers, Youth leaders, Youth project managers, Youth policy makers

Accessibility info:

This activity and venue place are accessible to people with disabilities.

Working language(s):

English

Organiser:

SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus (SALTO Resource Centre)

Co-organiser(s):

• Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji – Polish NA (National Agency)

Contact for questions:

Adrianna Wójcik

E-Mail: [email protected]

Phone: –

Costs

Participation fee

Participants from Eastern Partnership countries will not pay a participation fee. Participants from the Programme Countries are requested to contact their National Agency in order to clarify this issue. It will depend on each NA's policy.

Accommodation and food

The hosting National Agency or SALTO will organise the accommodation and cover the costs for accommodation and food.

Travel reimbursement

Please contact your National Agency (NA) or SALTO Resource Centre (SALTO) in order to know whether they would support your travel costs. If yes, after being selected, get in touch with your NA or SALTO again to learn more about the overall procedure to arrange the booking of your travel tickets and the reimbursement of your travel expenses.

More information here