The Virtual Debate Sessions are an essential part of the YouthEUVision Online Academy, bringing together young people from six European countries to discuss the future of Europe in an interactive, inclusive, and youth-friendly space.
These sessions are designed to help participants learn, express their opinions, and connect with others. Through guided debates, simulations, and group discussions, young people explore key topics such as EU values, democratic participation, youth empowerment, and global challenges.
Each debate is led by trained moderators who ensure a respectful and engaging environment where every young voice can be heard. The sessions support participants in strengthening their critical thinking, communication, and advocacy skills, while also giving them the chance to understand different cultural perspectives across Europe.
The Virtual Debate Sessions help create a cross-border community of informed and active young Europeans who feel more confident, connected, and empowered to shape their societies.
Youth Power Germany played a central role in the implementation of the Online Academy for Debates, using the digital format to create inclusive spaces where young people could actively engage with democracy, political participation, and European citizenship.
Through a cycle of online debates linked to the four Academy modules, YP-DE supported young participants in moving beyond abstract concepts and connecting democratic theory with real-life experiences. Prior to each debate, participants completed the corresponding online module, ensuring a shared knowledge base and enabling deeper, more informed discussions. This approach allowed young people to reflect critically on topics such as the meaning of democracy today, political education and activism, media literacy, and the functioning of the European Union.
The debates were carefully moderated to promote respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and active listening. Participants were encouraged to express their opinions, question assumptions, and explore different perspectives in a safe and supportive environment. Particular attention was given to youth disengagement, trust in institutions, and the role of education in strengthening democratic resilience.
Through its contribution to the Online Academy, Youth Power Germany reinforced the idea that democracy is not only learned but practiced. The activity strengthened participants’ confidence to engage in civic life and positioned the Online Academy as a sustainable tool for ongoing youth participation and democratic education.
The Municipality of Egaleo implemented four thematic online debates as part of the Online Academy for Debates, engaging young people aged 18–25 in structured and meaningful dialogue on democratic life in Europe.
Before each debate, participants studied the relevant online module, including learning materials and quizzes. The live debates then built upon this knowledge, allowing young people to reflect critically, exchange perspectives, and apply what they had learned. The sessions were moderated by trained facilitators, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
The debates addressed the four adapted modules: what democracy means today, political education and youth activism, media literacy, and EU policy literacy. Participants discussed issues such as misinformation, voting, trust in institutions, and opportunities for youth participation at European level. Due to high interest, some debates were repeated to ensure wider access and participation.
Through this activity, young people strengthened their understanding of European democracy, developed debating and critical thinking skills, and gained confidence in expressing their opinions. The Municipality of Egaleo’s implementation demonstrates how local authorities can effectively use digital tools to promote democratic participation and active European citizenship.
Arci Solidarietà implemented a cycle of four online debates that combined political education, cultural perspectives, and civic engagement within the framework of the Online Academy for Debates. Each session addressed one of the four modules and included expert input, interactive activities, and open discussion.
The debates explored democracy as a dynamic process, youth participation beyond voting, media literacy in the digital age, and the history and functioning of the European Union. Particular emphasis was placed on empowering young people to see themselves as active participants in democratic life, capable of influencing change through education, activism, and cultural engagement.
Sessions were enriched through collaboration with external organisations and experts, offering diverse perspectives and practical examples. Participants were encouraged to share experiences, question dominant narratives, and reflect on the challenges facing democracy today, including populism, misinformation, and political disengagement.
Arci Solidarietà’s contribution highlights the value of combining non-formal education with dialogue and cultural practices to foster critical thinking, inclusion, and long-term civic engagement.
SALAM Association implemented debates linked to the Online Academy themes through in-person seminars involving refugees and university students, creating a unique intercultural learning environment. These seminars addressed the four core topics of the Academy, adapting them to the realities and experiences of a highly diverse group of participants.
Discussions focused on European institutions and values, the future of European integration, youth empowerment, and global challenges. Participants shared different perspectives on Europe’s role in peace, migration, and international relations, particularly from non-EU viewpoints. This enriched the debates and highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue in democratic education.
The activity revealed strong interest among participants in engaging with European issues, while also identifying gaps in trust and understanding of EU institutions. By giving space to these critical reflections, SALAM contributed to a deeper, more honest dialogue about Europe’s responsibilities and potential.
SALAM’s approach demonstrates how the Online Academy themes can be adapted to different contexts while remaining relevant, impactful, and aligned with the project’s democratic objectives.
Fundación Sieneva implemented a comprehensive series of online debates designed to fully integrate learning, dialogue, and youth empowerment within the Online Academy for Debates. Each debate was directly connected to one of the four adapted modules, ensuring coherence between theory and practice.
Participants completed the online courses before joining the debates, creating a shared foundation for discussion. The sessions were facilitated using interactive methods such as polls, breakout discussions, guided questions, and reflection exercises. This participatory approach encouraged active engagement and helped young people feel confident expressing their views on democracy, European integration, youth participation, and global challenges.
The debates showed increasing levels of interaction over time, particularly during sessions focused on youth empowerment and the future of Europe. Participants shared personal experiences, discussed barriers to participation, and explored concrete ways to become more active in their communities. The final debate on global challenges encouraged critical reflection on the EU’s role in areas such as climate action, migration, and social justice.
In parallel, Fundación Sieneva promoted the Online Academy through online dissemination campaigns, significantly expanding access to the learning modules. This ensured that the impact of the activity extended beyond live debates, reinforcing the Academy as a long-term resource for democratic education and youth engagement.
CIFAL Málaga contributed to the Online Academy for Debates by supporting online discussions that brought together young people interested in democracy, European values, and civic participation. The debates were designed to complement the Online Academy modules and provide a space for reflection, exchange, and collective learning.
The sessions focused on encouraging young people to think critically about democratic participation and the role of youth in shaping European societies. By engaging with topics such as political education, media literacy, and EU policy-making, participants were able to better understand how democratic processes affect their daily lives.
CIFAL Málaga emphasised dialogue as a tool for empowerment. Participants were encouraged to listen actively, respect differing viewpoints, and articulate their own ideas clearly. The digital format ensured accessibility and inclusivity, allowing young people from different backgrounds to participate equally.
Through its contribution, CIFAL Málaga reinforced the importance of non-formal education and debate as effective methods for strengthening democratic awareness and promoting youth engagement at both local and European levels.
D.I.A.N.A implemented one of the most extensive national contributions to the Online Academy for Debates, engaging a large number of young people across France through a structured series of online sessions closely aligned with the four learning modules.
Each debate served as a practical extension of the Online Academy courses. Participants were required to complete the relevant module before joining the live discussion, ensuring informed, high-quality exchanges. This methodology allowed young people to deepen their understanding of democracy, political participation, media literacy, and European policy-making, while immediately applying their learning through dialogue and reflection.
The debates were facilitated by trained moderators and guest speakers, who guided discussions using key questions, real-life examples, and scenario-based exercises. Topics such as youth representation, misinformation, European values, and global challenges were explored through a youth-centred lens, encouraging participants to link European issues to their own lived realities.
Alongside the debates, D.I.A.N.A carried out strong online outreach, significantly increasing participation in the Online Academy modules. Even young people who could not attend live debates benefited from the educational content, demonstrating the sustainability and accessibility of the activity. D.I.A.N.A’s implementation highlights the strength of combining digital learning with structured dialogue to foster long-term civic engagement.
In Romania, the Online Academy for Debates was implemented as a key activity to support young people in developing democratic awareness, critical thinking, and active European citizenship through structured online dialogue.
The online debates were held in December 2025 and brought together 45 young participants aged 18–25 across four thematic sessions.
Each debate was directly linked to one of the four adapted Online Academy modules, ensuring coherence between learning and discussion. Before joining the live sessions, participants were required to complete the corresponding online course, including learning materials and interactive quizzes. This preparatory phase ensured a shared knowledge base and enabled deeper, more meaningful exchanges during the debates.
The four debates addressed the following topics: What is Democracy, Political Education, Voting, and Engagement in Political Activism, Media Literacy, and European Union and Policy Literacy. Through guided discussions and moderated exchanges, participants explored how democratic values are applied in practice, the importance of informed political participation, the impact of media on public opinion, and the role of the European Union in shaping policies that affect young people’s daily lives.
All debates were facilitated by trained moderators who ensured a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Participants were encouraged to express their opinions, listen to different perspectives, and reflect critically on contemporary challenges facing democracy in Europe. The digital format allowed young people from diverse backgrounds to participate equally, reinforcing accessibility and inclusion.
Through their participation in the Online Academy for Debates, Romanian young people strengthened their understanding of European democracy and values, developed debating, advocacy, and critical thinking skills, and gained confidence in expressing their views on civic and political issues. The activity also encouraged cross-European awareness by connecting local experiences with broader European debates.
Overall, the implementation of the Online Academy for Debates in Romania demonstrated the effectiveness of combining online learning with moderated dialogue. It provided young people with a meaningful space to engage with democracy, media, and European policy, while contributing to the long-term sustainability and impact of the YouthEUVision project.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
