Understanding Europe

Understanding Europe is a transnational educational network dedicated to promoting democratic citizenship and engaging young people in Europe. The network, supported by the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe and the Mercator Foundation, is active in 12 European countries, including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, and Armenia[1][3].

The network offers a variety of educational formats and methods based on the peer education approach. Workshops are conducted in general and vocational schools to inform and discuss with young people about European politics, the role of the media, democratic participation, and their own life circumstances. The trainers who lead these workshops are qualified through annual Trainings for Trainers and the European Summer School[3].

The main mission of Understanding Europe is to empower young people and give them a voice in European society. The network promotes political participation, democratic values, and the development of an open and diverse society. It advocates for the inclusion of differently socialized target groups and creates a safe space for learning and collaboration[1][3].

Understanding Europe places great importance on sustainability and inclusion. The network works on developing diversity-oriented organizational development to make projects, teams, and target groups more inclusive. Through transnational working groups and annual coordinators' meetings, the exchange of best practices and challenges is promoted. Additionally, the fellowship program supports innovative educational formats on topics such as media, democracy, and digitalization, which are then shared and utilized throughout the network[1][3].

Understanding Europe collaborates closely with other European educational initiatives, politicians, and organizations such as the European Youth Parliament (EYP), Connecting Europe, PEGAP Consortium, and NECE. These partnerships enable the network to participate in current developments, discussions, and events in the political sphere and promote innovation, collaboration, and access to educational opportunities beyond the network[1][2].

Understanding Europe is a dynamic and inclusive educational initiative dedicated to strengthening democratic values and engaging young people in Europe. Through its comprehensive educational programs, transnational initiatives, and strong partnerships, the network makes an important contribution to promoting a diverse and open European society.

• 1 - https://understanding-europe.org/en/about-us/educational-network/
• 2 - https://stationeurope.org/portfolio-item/understandingeurope/
• 3 - https://understanding-europe.org/en/about-us/understanding-europe/
• 4 - https://understanding-europe.org/en/about-us/educational-network/understanding-europe-germany/
• 5 - https://understanding-europe.org/en/about-us/educational-network/understanding-europe-portugal/