PROJECT ID
- Action Type: Youth
international exchange, intercultural dialogue, regional cooperation,
European integration
- Project Status: Completed
- Implementation Period: 2009
- Funded by: Youth in Action Programme, European Commission
- Project Dates: 5–11 September 2009
- Lead Organization: Youth Alliance – Krusevo
- Project partners: 8 non-governmental organizations
from 7 neighbouring countries: North Macedonia, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Main aim: To strengthen dialogue, mutual understanding, and active
participation of young people in the process of European integration of
the South East Europe region.
PROJECT LOGIC
The project “Meeting of Cultures” was developed as a regional youth exchange focused on one of the most important common issues for young people in South East Europe: the European integration of the region. By bringing together young people from different countries, cultures, religions, and language backgrounds, the project aimed to create space for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and stronger regional understanding. Through intercultural learning, discussion on European values, and promotion of active youth participation, the initiative contributed to building a shared vision for the future of the region and encouraging young people to become active actors in the Europeanization process.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Youth engagement and
participation
- The youth exchange brought together 58 young people from
South East Europe in Krusevo
- Participants represented 8 organizations from 7 neighbouring
countries
- The project created a shared space for young people to discuss
regional challenges and the future of European integration
Intercultural
dialogue and mutual understanding
- The exchange fostered mutual understanding between young people
from different countries and cultures
- Participants had the opportunity to exchange perspectives, confront
ideas, and discuss questions related to their shared future in Europe
- The project promoted unity, tolerance, and common visions
among young people from the region
Regional cooperation
and partnerships
- The initiative encouraged the development of new partnerships and
future joint projects
- It supported the establishment of high-quality and continuing
cooperation between youth organizations in the region
- The exchange strengthened awareness of the importance of regional
youth cooperation for long-term European integration
MAIN RESULTS AND
OUTPUTS
- Organization of the Youth International Exchange “Meeting of
Cultures” in Krusevo from 5 to 11 September 2009
- Engagement of young people in discussions on the European
integration of South East Europe
- Strengthening of participants’ knowledge about regional
cooperation, intercultural values, and European citizenship
- Promotion of the Youth in Action Programme as a tool for
cooperation and mobility
- Improved participant skills and knowledge related to future youth
initiatives, partnerships, and project development
IMPACT
On young people
The project enabled
young people from different countries in the region to better understand each
other’s cultures, values, and perspectives. Through dialogue, joint activities,
and exchange of ideas, participants strengthened their confidence, broadened
their understanding of diversity, and developed a stronger sense of shared
responsibility for the future of the region.
On intercultural
understanding
“Meeting of
Cultures” contributed to promoting respect for cultural diversity and
strengthening positive awareness of other cultures among young people. By
encouraging open and respectful exchange, the project helped participants see
diversity as a value and cooperation as a foundation for stronger regional
relations.
On the European
dimension
The project
reinforced discussion on what Europe and European citizenship mean for young
people in South East Europe. It created space to reflect on inclusion,
mobility, discrimination, and active participation, while encouraging young
people and youth organizations to play a stronger role in the broader process
of European integration.
KEY DOCUMENTS AND
RESOURCES
