As Denmark takes over the Presidency of the EU Council during a time of global uncertainty and rising anti-democratic trends, local engagement becomes more than a civic duty, turning into a vital safeguard for democracy. Yet many young EU citizens studying in Denmark are either unaware of their right to vote in local elections or feel disconnected from the communities they temporarily call home.
A report published by Aarhus University in 2023 shows considerable decline in youth participation in local elections across Europe, posing a challenge to the future of representative democracy: who will advocate for youth when youth cannot advocate for itself?
Taking action
Developed in partnership with Greencubator, Danish Elections, European Democracy aims to strengthen democratic values that will continue to resonate—whether participants stay in Denmark or return to their home countries. Through increased awareness and active participation, we can build a more resilient and engaged Europe, one empowered citizen at a time.
Over the course of two months, Sustainary will host two interactive workshops and a public debate designed to create spaces for learning, dialogue, and political empowerment, providing practical knowledge while inspiring action.
Below you can find the program, please refer to our event calendar to sign up for each activity:
September 26, Greencubator, from 18:00 to 20:30 – Inspiring Workshop on Local elections, lasting impact, with Garba Diallo, Director of Crossing Borders
October 17, Greencubator, from 18:00 to 20:30 – Hands on workshop on Bridging Divides: Can Young Vote Strengthen European Elections in Times of Crisis?, with manuella sobral from sustainary
October 30, Studenterhuset, from 18:00 to 20:30 – Panel debate with Representatives of several youth-led organisations on the topic of Democracy at Risk: what happens when young people stop taking action?
