The National Ecological Centre of Ukraine, in partnership with Democracy International, invites young people from Ukraine to participate in Democracy Camp 2026, which will take place on 17–21 June 2026 in Vallendar, Germany.
Democracy Camp is a five-day intercultural exchange focused on democracy, sustainability, inclusion, and the role of youth in shaping Europe’s future. Around 60 young participants aged 18–26 from across Europe — Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, France, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, and Ukraine — will take part in the programme.
Participants will work together to explore key questions:
- What participation tools are available to young people?
- How can these tools be used to promote sustainability and inclusion?
During the Democracy Camp, participants will explore democratic participation practices from different countries, analyse civic engagement tools, broaden their understanding of political processes — from local level to the EU and UN — and develop skills for active participation and project development.
What to expect
- Online Digital kick-off — 26 May 2026
- Democracy Camp in Germany (17–21 June)
- Workshops on democracy and civic participation
- Practical tools for participation in decision-making
- Visit to Bonn and the UN Campus
- Meetings with civic initiatives
- Intercultural exchange and teamwork in international groups
- Co-creation of the Youth Participation Handbook
Why participate
- Meet young people from 10 European countries
- Learn about democratic participation tools
- Develop civic engagement skills
- Visit the UN Campus in Bonn
- Contribute to European policy recommendations
- Become part of an international youth community
Democracy Camp programme
- 26 May 2026 — online kick-off meeting to introduce participants and partner organisations, discuss expectations, topics, and working formats for the Democracy Camp
- 17–21 June 2026 — Democracy Camp in Vallendar, Germany: work in international groups, exchange experiences, explore democratic participation tools, and develop practical civic engagement skills
- One day of the programme — study visit to Bonn, including the UN Campus and meetings with civic initiatives working on democracy and citizen participation
Democracy Camp outcome
The main output of the Democracy Camp will be the Youth Participation Handbook 2026, co-authored by participants.
The handbook will include:
- ideas and insights from participants
- practical youth participation tools
- examples of democratic practices
- recommendations for policymakers
- proposals to strengthen youth participation in Europe
After the Camp, the handbook will be shared with decision-makers across Europe, including Members of the European Parliament.
Who can apply
Young people who:
- are aged between 18 and 26
- feel comfortable communicating in English
- are interested in democracy and civic participation
- are ready to work in an international team
The organisers aim to include diverse voices. Applications from youth with fewer opportunities are encouraged.
Working language: English
Meals during the camp will be vegetarian/vegan.
Participation conditions
Participation in the Democracy Camp is free of charge.
Organisers cover the following costs:
- accommodation
- meals
- programme activities
- travel costs (up to 250 €)
How to apply
To participate in Democracy Camp 2026:
- Fill in the application form for participants from Ukraine
https://forms.gle/CVSVJoj6svBdcqUw9 - Register on the official Democracy Camp page
https://democracy-international.org/events/democracy-camp-2026-germany
The number of places is limited.
Contact person (NECU)
Yuliia Khrystynchenko
+380939563225
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.