On 10 June 2025, TEPSA hosted the Trans-National Youth Democracy Lab as part of the Horizon Europe ActEU project (“Activating European Citizens’ Trust in Times of Crises and Polarisation”). This online event gathered 24 young Europeans to discuss ways to restore faith in democracy, fight polarisation and false information, and make political representation more inclusive. Through dynamic small-group discussions, participants came up with specific ways to make democracy stronger and increase citizen engagement at all levels: local, national and European.

Key recommendations included promoting civic and media literacy in schools, improving access to democratic tools for marginalised groups, and enhancing institutional accountability beyond election cycles. Participants voiced a strong desire to move from abstract ideals to practical solutions, calling on platforms to track elected officials’ work and encouraging politicians to rethink how citizens are included in political life. Overall, the message was clear: democracy must not only be done for citizens, but with them.