The FGYO motivates young people to get involved and to live up to their values
One of the most important concerns of the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) is to maintain democracy as a cornerstone of our societies in Germany and France. Intercultural exchange should always promote improved understanding of the neighbouring country. This is how a dedicated civil society can grow in a strong democracy. After all, an understanding for others involves a willingness to compromise, negotiate and cooperate.
Nationalist and at times openly anti-democratic currents are currently on the rise in Europe. But many of the pressing challenges we face can only be solved transnationally. This makes European and international cooperation increasingly important – and an integral element of the European idea of unity and democracy for a peaceful future. Among the central concerns of the FGYO are the efforts to promote commitment by and for young people and to strengthen their participation.
The FGYO and its partners benefit from mutual support
The FGYO has been working with the German Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) since 2017 and intensified this cooperation in 2021. Together, the two organisations seek to broaden political education and raise awareness among partner institutions. Bilateral and European approaches to civic education will also be expanded, with new networks for cross-border cooperation launched.
The FGYO also benefits from its partners’ knowledge and expertise. A shared exchange on the work of democracy, and on similarities and differences between the concepts in force in Germany and France, are an enrichment for both sides.
Projects promoting participation and democracy
Every exchange supported or organised by the FGYO helps to strengthen democracy in Europe. The FGYO also offers a number of initiatives and events specifically dedicated to promoting democracy and youth participation. These meetings give young people from France and Germany the opportunity to discuss political issues on an equal footing.
It is important to build young people’s confidence in their abilities and to encourage them to commit to a peaceful, democratic and sustainable Europe. One of the objectives is to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for the formation of independent judgement and the responsible use of the media.
- The project's call “La démocratie : c’est pour aujourd’hui ! Les voix des jeunes pour l’avenir” supports projects that address at least one of the following themes: democracy, the rule of law and human rights, environmental responsibility and climate protection, or rural areas and regions facing structural challenges. Projects carried out include the establishment of Franco-German youth parliaments, the production of a rap song about democracy, the organisation of a multi-day visit to the European institutions, the writing of scripts for animated short films on love and equal opportunities, as well as conferences and meetings on topics related to democracy, the environment and security policy. This call for projects is an initiative of the FGYO and the German Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb).
- As part of the “Our Europe, Our Future!” project's call, the FGYO supports projects aimed at developing a culture of democracy among young people and informing them about how their political systems work.
- The FGYO also organises a number of events and initiatives in cooperation with its partners, such as the Franco-German Youth Congress YOU:KO 2023, launched on the initiative of the FGYO and the bpb to mark this special Franco-German year. The aim of this project is to bring together young people who are actively involved in society and to support them. Among its other activities, the FGYO also supports the transnational Networking European Civic Education (NECE network), which brings together experts in civic education across Europe.
- To boost youth exchanges on political topics, the FGYO uses digital tools such as the Talking Europe app.
- To facilitate understanding between young people in both countries, a special ‘elections’ edition of Mobidico has been published. It includes a basic glossary in French and German to help foster discussions about politics and elections.
- Furthermore, the FGYO and its partners regularly organise conferences, seminars and round-table discussions to enable young people to debate elections or current (European) political issues and challenges that particularly concern them.