Preparatory Meeting for the “Young, Informed and Involved: Strengthening Democratic Literacy and Media Participation” Study Session in Strasbourg

Preparatory meeting for our upcoming Study session “Young, Informed and Involved: Strengthening Democratic Literacy and Media Participation” took place from 22nd – 25th January 2026 at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg. The Study session is organised by the European Youth Press and DYPALL Network in cooperation with the Département de la Jeunesse du Conseil de l'Europe.

During the meeting, the organising team gathered for the first time to collaboratively plan the programme and overall structure of the Study session. Discussions focused on refining educational objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes to ensure the activity will provide a meaningful platform for learning, exchange, and capacity-building.

The Study session will take place from 22nd – 28th March 2026 at the Centre européen de la jeunesse Strasbourg. It will bring together young journalists, youth leaders, and representatives of local youth councils to contribute to the revitalisation of pluralistic democracy by equipping participants with tools to engage with democratic structures and public discourse critically.

Through non-formal education on media literacy, civic storytelling, and digital participation, participants will explore how democratic institutions function and how to hold them accountable through inclusive journalism and local actions. It will bridge civic voice with democratic practice at both local and European levels, supporting the implementation of the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life. It aims to help young people understand their right to access, participate in, and shape democratic processes (particularly those from rural, marginalised, or underrepresented communities).

Additionally, the Study session will address the role of AI and digital platforms in shaping media trust through hands-on labs exploring algorithmic bias, platform accountability, and disinformation.