JUNIOR EU: young people from Italy, Poland and Portugal together for Europe

Ventotene Hosts the European Project JUNIOR EU: Youth from Italy, Poland, and Portugal United for Europe

From August 23 to 29, 2025, the island of Ventotene—a symbolic place for a united Europe and the birthplace of the Altiero Spinelli Manifesto—will host the JUNIOR EU project, an initiative funded by the Erasmus+ program. The project will bring together 24 young people from Italy, Poland, and Portugal. It is led by the cultural association Lighthouse Languages of Orte, in collaboration with the youth organization Sójovem das Saibreiras (Ermesinde, Portugal) and the Municipality of Wieliszew, Poland.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the core values of unity, solidarity, and democracy—foundational pillars of the European project. The event aims to promote youth participation in European decision-making processes, intercultural understanding, and civic engagement, building a bridge between the past and the present and encouraging deep reflection on European integration.

The program will be rich with participatory and interactive activities, including:

• Co-creation workshops involving young people and local and European policymakers, offering the chance to present proposals and discuss youth policies.

• European Council simulations (role play), where participants will represent various member states and debate issues such as inclusion, sustainability, and digitalization.

• A civic hackathon focused on sustainability and democratic participation, where participants will develop prototype initiatives to bring back to their communities.

• A street action to raise awareness about active citizenship and share Ventotene’s historical legacy.

• Creative and cultural activities such as writing and drawing workshops, along with opportunities to explore the local area.

The week will conclude with the awarding of Youthpass certificates—European documents recognizing the skills gained—and community events to share the young participants’ experiences.

With JUNIOR EU, Ventotene once again affirms itself as a true European laboratory, capable of inspiring new generations to become aware and active European citizens.