EmpowerEU Academy in Santa Cruz, Portugal Activity DYPALL Network organised the EmpowerEU Academy in Santa Cruz, Portugal, from 19th – 21st September 2024. The academy brought together more than 15 participants from across Portugal, who took part in insightful sessions exploring the structure and functions of EU institutions, the significance of youth engagement, and the development of critical thinking skills. The programme was based on the “Educate for Democracy” toolkit, employing non-formal education methods to encourage interactive learning and active participation of young people. A key highlight was a hands-on simulation where participants role-played ministers from different EU countries, gaining practical knowledge of how the Council of the European Union operates. We were also joined by Felso, representing the European Commission in Portugal, whose presence added further depth to the discussions and activities. The EmpowerEU: Young Multipliers for Democracy project forms part of the “Citizens’ Voice: How to Get Engaged on EU Values and Policies” initiative, managed by ALDA and funded by the European Commission under the CERV Programme