The Final Event of our European Citizenship Academy (ECA) project took place in the heart of Brussels from 17–19 November, bringing together partners from France, Macedonia, Poland, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal for an inspiring closing chapter of our shared journey.
The day unfolded across several meaningful activities hosted in different venues. It began with a dedicated partners’ meeting, where project leaders and coordinators from all participating countries gathered to review the overall progress of the ECA project. Together, they reflected on the achievements made over the past two years, outlined the remaining steps for completing the final report, and discussed the documentation needed to successfully conclude the project. They also coordinated the plan for the rest of the day — organizing a joint visit to the Parlamentarium together with the young people, followed by the final evaluation event where each organization would present its accomplishments and vision for future collaboration.
After the meeting, the day continued exactly as planned. All partners, together with the young people, visited the Parlamentarium, where participants immersed themselves in the interactive exhibitions, explored the history and functioning of the EU, and gained a deeper understanding of how European decision-making connects to citizens’ everyday lives. This visit offered a powerful learning experience and set the perfect tone for reflection, discussion, and wrapping up the project with new perspectives.
Later that evening, we gathered for the main evaluation event — a space dedicated to celebrating achievements, exchanging experiences, and looking at how far we’ve come through this project. Each participating country took the stage to share the impact of their local activities, the initiatives they implemented, and the positive changes they sparked in their communities. Hearing these stories highlighted the diverse ways young people across Europe engage with citizenship, leadership, and community building.
The youth participants also had the chance to express their personal reflections on the project, discussing how the ECA journey influenced their skills, attitudes, and understanding of European citizenship. Their honest thoughts and feedback created a warm atmosphere of openness, learning, and mutual appreciation.
As the project officially came to a close, the event in Brussels reminded us how meaningful youth exchanges and European cooperation can be. We are proud of everything achieved together — the ideas shared, the friendships built, and the growth experienced along the way. And while this chapter ends, the inspiration and motivation it brought will continue shaping our future actions.
