The National Ecological Centre of Ukraine (NECU), in cooperation with Democracy International, is announcing a call for applications for the Ukrainian delegation to Democracy Camp 2026, which will take place from 26–30 August 2026 in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
This is the second international camp within the Democracy Camp 2026 initiative, bringing together young people from eight European countries to discuss democracy, civic participation, media, and inclusion.
Democracy Camp is an international youth exchange dedicated to democracy, citizen participation, media, and inclusion. Over the course of five days, more than 70 young people from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Romania, and Ukraine will work together to explore solutions for strengthening youth participation in democratic life across Europe.
This year’s camp will focus on two key questions:
- What participation tools are available to young people?
- How can these tools be used to foster an inclusive and fair media future in Europe?
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about successful civic engagement practices from different countries, while developing their skills in communication, advocacy, teamwork, and project implementation.
What can participants expect?
The Democracy Camp Bulgaria programme includes:
- interactive workshops and training sessions;
- intercultural exchange between participants from different countries;
- discussions on democracy, civic participation, media, and inclusion;
- development of political and civic participation skills;
- a visit to the Bulgarian Parliament;
- a visit to the historic and cultural site of Arbanassi;
- collaborative work on the Youth Participation Handbook 2026.
One of the main outcomes of the camp will be the Youth Participation Handbook 2026 – a publication created by participants from across Europe. The handbook will include practical recommendations, successful examples of youth participation, and proposals for improving youth engagement in democratic processes. Following the project, the handbook will be distributed to European institutions and policymakers, including Members of the European Parliament.
Who can participate?
Applications are open to young people who:
- currently live in Ukraine;
- are between 18 and 26 years old;
- have a sufficient level of English to actively participate in the programme;
- are interested in democracy, civic participation, media, and inclusion;
- are available to participate in all camp activities.
Participation conditions
Participation in Democracy Camp 2026 is free of charge.
Organisers cover the following costs:
- accommodation;
- meals;
- programme activities;
- travel expenses (up to €250 for international participants).
How to apply?
To participate in Democracy Camp 2026:
1. Complete the application form for Ukrainian participants:
https://forms.gle/H1G6QuxJda3dVTek6
2. Register on the official Democracy Camp webpage:
https://democracy-international.org/events/democracy-camp-2026-bulgaria/
Selection process
Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate active civic engagement, motivation to participate in public life, readiness to work in an international environment, and willingness to share the knowledge and experience gained during the camp within their communities.
The organisers also strongly encourage applications from young people with fewer opportunities and from groups that traditionally have less access to international educational programmes.
📅 Application deadline: 12 July 2026 (inclusive).
The number of places available in the Ukrainian delegation is limited.
Contact person at NECU
Yuliia Khrystynchenko
📞 +38 (093) 956-32-25
📧 yuliia.khrystynchenko@gw.necu.org.ua
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.