Final Conference of the „EU for YOUth – Europe for All Youth: Innovative Art-Based Methods in Youth Work” Project
Erasmus+ KA2 – Cooperation Partnership in the Youth Field, co-financed by the European Union
On November 15, 2024, over 170 participants – young people, youth workers, educators, representatives of educational institutions, local officials, and international partners – gathered in Târgoviște for the final conference of the „EU for YOUth” project. The event highlighted the role of innovative art-based methods in combating Euroscepticism, promoting European values, and fostering youth participation.
Event opening
The conference was opened by the hosts, Ilona Balint, Vice President of Be You Association, and Prof. Dr. Hab. Sergiu Musteață, from Valahia University of Târgoviște. Other guest speakers were Prof. Dr. Hab. Marian Vîlciu, Pro-Rector of Valahia University, Vlăduț Niculae, Mayor of Aninoasa, and Valentin Irinel Stancu, General School Inspector of Dâmbovița County.
The plenary session was closed by Lect. Univ. Dr. Ivan Vasile Ivanoff, an expert in European affairs, who emphasized the relevance of the initiative in the current context.
Project Results
Participants explored the resources developed within the project:
- Best Practices Brochure – 30 inspiring art-based examples
- Manual for Combating Euroscepticism through Art – with 15 practical activities
- Toolkit and Training Methodology – for integrating art into educational activities
- Video Tutorials – step-by-step guides for creative activities
- Microlearning Modules – concise theoretical resources
Each participant received a copy of the manual along with informational materials, all packed in a hand-crafted textile bag created by Be You Association volunteers, using techniques learned during the project.
Panels and interactive activities
The event included three distinct sessions:
- Panel: „The European Union Facing New Challenges”
Moderated by Valahia University, this panel examined the origins of Euroscepticism and solutions through diversity and unity. Speakers included Conf. Univ. Dr. Cezar Stanciu, Prof. Dr. Hab. Sergiu Musteață, and Lect. Univ. Dr. Ivan Vasile Ivanoff. - Panel: „Art Against Euroscepticism”
This panel emphasized the role of art in youth education. Speakers included Barbara Brigita Popa (Bălașa Doamna Art High School), Alexandra Grecu (Think Big Association), Ilona Balint (Be You Association), Tomáš Boledovič (YYSK Slovakia), and Fulvia Mastrocesare (Alphabet Formation Belgium), who presented the role of art, creative strategies, inclusion in youth work, best practices, and testimonials. - Practical Workshop: „EuroVision Collage Challenge”
Moderated by Sonia Georgiana Miloiu (Be You Association), along with Flavia Ceccherini (Florence Academy of Fine Arts) and Mara Licheri (Terra di Tutti), the workshop engaged participants in an interactive activity where they created collages illustrating fundamental European values.
A Detail-oriented and sustainable event
The welcoming atmosphere was enhanced by delicious products offered upon arrival and during coffee breaks, as well as a lunch buffet dedicated to networking. To encourage continued networking and discussions, all participants received vouchers for the local café CT Coffee, a special place for connections and new ideas.
Conclusions and perspectives
The conference concluded with a reflective session, highlighting the importance of initiatives such as „EU for YOUth” in supporting youth participation in civic and democratic life. The enthusiastic atmosphere and dynamic interactions confirmed the event’s success, laying the foundation for future collaborations.
Special thanks
We would like to extend our gratitude to the project partners, local partners, and all participants – young people, youth workers, and volunteers – for their active involvement and support in this innovative endeavor.
We are pleased to have had participants not only from our county but also from other regions of the country and abroad, which contributed to the diversity and success of the event.
For more details about the project and free access to the created resources, visit: https://euforyouth.beyoueurope.eu
To discover the story of the event through images, we have created a photo album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=beyoueurope&set=a.1002791235228450