FGYO commitment to the Weimar Triangle
The Weimar Triangle brings fresh impetus to political dialogue and interactions in civil society. Through its trinational encounters, the FGYO meets its mission of encouraging exchanges among young people from France, Germany and Poland. Explore some of the projects selected and awarded a label of approval in 2025 and 2026.
FGYO and the Weimar Triangle
Since 1991, the FGYO has been implementing the ‘Spirit of Weimar’on behalf of the foreign ministries of France and Germany through its support of more exchange programmes with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The new intergovernmental agreement on the FGYO of 25 April 2005 specifically extends to the new countries that joined the EU in 2004. Since then, Poland has become the country with the most frequent involvement in trinational youth encounters. In 2024 alone, 13% of all such gatherings included young people from that country.
The underlying aim of trinational projects organised with the support of the FGYO is to put the organisation’s expertise at Europe’s service. As specialists in intercultural learning have shown, the presence of young people from three countries creates a different impact, enabling greater interest in Franco-German cooperation and raising awareness of the path taken by France and Germany by revealing their similarities to other countries. This enhances the impacts of intercultural learning and makes participants more aware of the different perspectives of European history.
The label
Why a label?
The objective of this label is to highlight the diversity and scope of Franco-German-Polish projects youth-exchange projects. The label underscores the commitment by young people and organisations carrying out these projects in the Weimar Triangle.
The Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) and the German-Polish Youth Office (GPYO) work to promote civil-society initiatives and greater cohesion within the EU, to make it possible to recognize the Weimar Triangle as an important vector for European integration, particularly in these times of internal and external conflicts facing Europe.
Who can receive it ?
The label is simple to achieve and is not tied to any particular set of criteria. The FGYO and the GPYO determine the eligibility of grant applications for each Franco-German-Polish project submitted to them and award the label to candidates presenting projects that support the idea of the Weimar Triangle. The label is intended exclusively for Franco-German-Polish projects.
The projects
Below are the projects selected and awarded the 2025 and 2026 label.
Weimar Regional Triangle Youth Summit 2026
Held annually for the past 25 years, the 2026 summit will bring young people together for a week of workshops, visits, a hackathon and a political debate, featuring elected representatives, political figures and Pascale Trimbach, general secretary of the FGYO. This year’s summit will focus on the role of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives and on disinformation. Above all, however, it provides an opportunity to explore the opportunities offered by AI to strengthen civic participation and build a more responsible and united Europe.
Where? Lille
When? 19–25 July 2026
Who? Young people aged 17 to 23 from the three countries, with the special participation of young Ukrainians
Organiser: Hauts-de-France Region
Partners: State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dnipropetrovsk Regional Administration, CEMEA Nord-Pas-de-Calais
JAZDA - 3rd phase
The final phase of this year’s JAZDA project cycle has taken place. We can look back on a week full of energy, a sense of community and creativity.
Once again, young adults came together for a seminar on migration history and stories. The programme included language activities, museum visits, workshops, city walks, a visit to the FriedlandGarten and meetings with eyewitnesses. The participants already knew each other from the first two project phases, so they had a solid foundation for learning together.
The focus of this week was on text (in the form of language or photographs) as a creative medium. The central question, drawing on all their previous experiences, was: What does it take to create welcoming spaces in a society of migration? How can we ourselves contribute to this? The answers to these questions were, and remain, diverse.
Some of these answers, along with artworks from all three project phases, are on display in the exhibition ‘Imagine Welcoming Spaces’, which the participants opened in the foyer of the Friedland Museum. Places of welcome emerge through human interaction – and that is precisely what sets JAZDA apart.
Where? Friedland and Göttingen
When? 27 June–4 July 2026
Who? Young adults from Germany, France and Poland
Organiser: Museum Friedland
Using the values of sport to promote remembrance and peace in the interests of a united Europe
The second phase of this partnership took place during the international football tournament. It was an enriching and deeply European experience, combining sport, language activities, intercultural encounters and memory-based learning. Football served as a universal language, fostering cohesion between the groups and providing an opportunity to explore key themes such as European history, peace, citizenship, respect and cooperation.
The young people were fully involved in the trip: creating trilingual glossaries, organising the welcome evening, leading sports activities and carrying out the final evaluation. Their commitment was particularly evident in the spontaneous formation of four-nation teams with the Ukrainian youngsters taking part in the tournament, a symbol of European solidarity.
Despite an extreme heatwave, an exceptional group dynamic developed, based on solidarity, respect and enthusiasm. Finally, the trip strengthened the ties between the three towns and confirmed the relevance of the Weimar Triangle as a framework for cooperation. The momentum continues: Blau-Weiss 96 Schenefeld will organise phase 3 of the project from 24 to 28 June 2027.
Where? Warsaw – Łuków
When? 25–29 June 2026
Who? 36 pupils from France, Germany and Poland
Organiser: Voisins-le-Bretonneux
Partners: Schenefeld and Łuków, with the support of the PNWM
JAZDA – 2nd phase
For this second phase of that trilateral exchange, the project took the participants to the Foyer International d'Études Françaises (FIEF) in La Bégude-de-Mazenc. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Drôme Provençale, the focus was on various forms of artistic expression: theatre, dance and singing. The theme of migration was once again at the heart of the project: the team met with various organisations and committed individuals, whilst also having the opportunity to get to know the village around the FIEF and its inhabitants better through group activities. On the programme for the week: dancing, games, language activities, theatre, festive drinks and, as a grand finale, a spectacular closing performance — in short, a rich and memorable week, conducive to reflection, sharing and inspiration.
When? 10–17 April 2026
Where? La Bégude-de-Mazenc
Organiser: Foyer international d’études françaises
Partners: Museum Friedland, Fundacja Krzyzowa, Internationaler Bund West gGmbH
Youth engagement for democracy and peace in Europe
During the first phase of the project in September 2025 in Waldenburg, students from the three countries explored the theme of ‘the border’.
This is the second phase, taking place in Estaires, Waldenburg and Czestochowa. The group comprises 15 participants from each country, aged 16 to 17, who have been trained in language facilitation.
The aim of this project is to continue exploring different types of borders – political, linguistic, geographical, past or present – as well as the issues inherent to them. To this end, participants are confronted with the various possible relationships to a border. During the stay, for example, a representative from the Utopia 56 association came to speak about their work with people in exile in Calais. Land art activities and city rallies rounded off this second phase.
Where? Calais and Lille
When? 26–31 March 2026
Who? 45 students
Organiser: Lycée polyvalent du Val de Lys, Estaires
Partners: Europäisches Gymnasium Waldenburg e.V., ZESPÓŁ SZKÓŁ EKONOMICZNYCH w Czestochowie
This project is funded under the CEE Special Fund, which is financed in equal parts by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Auswärtiges Amt.
The challenge of climate change: Energy transition – a solution approach in the Weimar Triangle
During the first phase of the project in March 2025, students explored the challenges of climate change in relation to the energy transition.
The second phase of this project continues the objectives set during the first phase: to raise participants' awareness of their own energy consumption, discover different types of energy and better understand how they work. The workshops are organised within the framework of mixed trinational working groups. A visit to the Cattenom nuclear power plant allows young people to discover the opportunities and dangers of nuclear energy. Practical experiments carried out in the MINT laboratory and at Spohns Haus introduce young people to practical solutions. A visit to the Robert Schumann House in Scy-Chazelles is also planned, which will focus on the values of the European Union.
When? 1-7 February 2026
Where? Ecological School Centre, Gersheim
Organisers: Spohns Haus - Association for Training and Environmental Education in Europe
Partners: Collège La Carrière Saint Avold, Publiczne Gimnazjum w Bujakowie, Gemeinschaftsschule Gersheim, Saarland Ministry of Education
The role of young people in digital technologies for a strong and united Europe
The French association Triangle de Weimar has invited around thirty students from France, Germany and Poland to write an essay, either individually or in pairs, on the theme highlighted in the title by 4 October 2025.
The students spend a week together, take part in a large-scale role-playing game called ‘Megacities’ and are welcomed at the German Embassy to learn more about the Weimar Triangle in Europe and the importance of European cooperation. Several major visits punctuate this rich programme, which ends with a gala on 6 November at the Polish Embassy.
This is the first phase of this tri-national project.
When? 2-9 November 2025 with a gala evening on 6 November
Where? ISEP – School of Digital Engineering, Paris
Organiser: The French Association of the Weimar Triangle
Partners: ISEP, Goethe Institut Paris, German Embassy in France, Polish Embassy in France, Weimarer Dreieck e.V.
"Jazda – Représentation(en) von Migrationsgesellschaft" !
This innovative trinational project brings together around thirty young people aged 18 to 24, focusing on three important topics: migration, memory, and diversity in today’s societies. These highly relevant subjects are explored through intercultural exchange and artistic creation. This unique initiative has been awarded the Weimar Triangle Prize for Civil Engagement, presented by the Weimarer Dreieck Association, founded in 2010. The award ceremony took place on 28 August 2025 in Weimar.
Following a first phase that took place in 2023–2024, this new chapter runs from 2025 to 2026 and is divided into three stages. The goal is to create a space for meeting, mutual learning, and shared expression.
Jazda is both an artistic and educational journey. Participants are invited to explore the migration histories of their countries, reflect on how we live together today, and express their experiences through art. The goals are to encourage intercultural dialogue, raise awareness about current social issues, and develop creative, language, and social skills.
The project includes three main stages:
*Poland (2025): graphic exploration of migration stories through drawing and visual creation *France (2026): body-based approach using dance and theatre to express identities and personal stories *Germany (2026): memory work based on photographs and meaningful personal objects
At the end of the project, a travelling and digital public exhibition will be launched to share and understand this rich intercultural dialogue and the commitment of the young generation to today's challenges.
When? 25-31/10/2025
Organiser: Museum Friedland
Partners: Foyer international d’études françaises, Fundacja Krzyżowa
The Weimar Triangle for Europe
Understanding the role of the Weimar triangle in an enlarged Europe and the notion of eco-responsibility are the aims of this tri-national exchange, which will take place in three phases (summer, autumn 2025 and summer 2026).
To make the environmental issues more concrete, the group will work on the theme of ‘from seed to plate’ and will learn about Franco-German-Polish cooperation.
The second phase is scheduled to take place in Vauvert from 25 April to 2 May 2026 and the third phase in the summer of 2026.
Where? Frankfurt (Oder)
When will it take place? This first phase of the project will run from 20 to 27 July 2025.
Who? 30 young people from France, Germany and Poland aged between 14 and 17.
Organiser: Vauvert city
Partners: Towns of Frankfurt (Oder), Nîmes, Slubice, Maison de l'Europe de Nîmes
Franco-German-Polish youth circus meeting
The exchange of circus practices is at the heart of this meeting, which aims to create links between young people from different cultures, discover the reality of life in other countries, motivate language learning and raise awareness of ecology, among other things. For 10 days, the young people will prepare a circus show that will be presented at the end of their stay.
Where? Plobannalec-Lesconil
When? 7-17 July 2025 - 1st phase of a new trinational cycle
Who? 36 young people aged 12 to 18 from France, Germany and Poland
Organiser: Association Gwennili from Quimper
Partners: Circus school Naphtaline from Plobannalec-Lesconil, circus school Tasifan from Weimar, Ośrodek Kultury Kraków-Nowa Huta (Klub 303) from Krakow
80 Years Later: Sport and Remembrance in the Service of a Civic Europe
This project highlights the importance of the values of peace and solidarity, as conveyed by memorial sites and sporting activities.
French, German, and Polish delegations visited key historical and sports-related sites together in Paris, Île-de-France region, and Normandy.
On June 13, one of the main highlights of the project was the ceremony of rekindling the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a wreath-laying by the young participants.
The event will be attended by several notable figures, including Alexandra Rosetti, Mayor of Voisins-le-Bretonneux, and Anne Tallineau, Secretary General of the FGYO.
Where? Voisins-le-Bretonneux, Paris, and Normandy
When? June 12–16, 2025
Who? 36 students, aged 13, from France, Germany, and Poland
Organizer: Voisins Jumelages
Partners: Stadt Schenefeld, Łuków
What made this experience even more exceptional was the friendship and unity that developed between our teams and those from Schenefeld and Voisins during and after the football tournament. The collective energy we shared was incredible and unique. Encouraging each other in a spirit of fair play, sharing moments of joy, sports games, exchanging experiences - these are priceless things. Respect and support, regardless of skin colour, origin, gender or religion - that's the greatest life lesson the children could receive.
Europe and democracy: a German-French-Polish meeting to promote reconciliation and friendship between peoples
The trinational project involves three meetings between students from vocational schools in Poland, France and Germany. At each stage, the young people in training worked together on a chosen political or historical theme. They created an informative timeline in three languages and designed a common logo. After an initial meeting in 2024 in Poland entitled ‘#StolenMemory’ on the theme of the culture of remembrance, the participants turned their attention in 2025 to Europe and the war in Ukraine. The highlight of this year's exchange was a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, which contributed to the cultural and civic enrichment of the young people. In 2026, the final phase will take place in Germany, bringing the tri-national project to a close.
Where? Teresin, Niederbronn-les-Bains and Hamburg
When? 11-15 March 2024, 5-9 May 2025, May 2026
Who? 44 vocational high school students, aged 13 to 25, from Poland, France and Germany.
Organiser and partners: Lycée des Métiers Entre Meurthe-et-Sânon in Dombasle-sur-Meurthe, Berufliche Schule des Kreises Stormarn in Bad Oldesloe and Zespól szkól chlodniczych i elektronicznych w Gdyni in Gdynia
Europe, Transatlantic Relations and the Weimar Triangle - Are Poland, Germany and France Europe's new hope?
Online discussion in English via Zoom – May 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
With a Trump administration back in office, transatlantic relations are once again facing major challenges. In this context, the Weimar Triangle — the political, economic, and civil partnership that has existed for 34 years between Germany, France, and Poland — is gaining renewed attention as a potential anchor of stability and a source of momentum for a more united Europe.
Together with experts from the three Weimar Triangle countries, we — the young ambassadors for FGYO’s trilateral programs — would discussed with the participants the role this partnership can play in the future of European security and foreign policy, as well as the opportunities it offers for stronger European cooperation.
With the participation of:
Stephen Bastos – Project Manager for European Dialogue at the Genshagen Foundation (moderator)
Jacob Ross – Researcher and expert on Franco-German relations at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Jeanette Süß – Researcher and member of the Franco-German relations committee at the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri)
Dr. hab. Pierre-Frédéric Weber – Deputy Director of the Institute of History at the University of Szczecin
Culture Pass
Participants at a Franco-German-Polish encounter of young people took as their example the models of the pass culture and the KulturPass that already exist in France and Germany. Their discussions revolved around young people’s expectations with regard to artistic and cultural offers and the accessibility made possible by the KulturPass – particularly for young people who typically have little access to offers in art or culture.
Based on this, the young people articulated their needs and ideas around participation in culture and artistic practice. Their specific ideas formed the subject of interactions with political leaders and personalities actively involved in the cultural, political and educational spaces of the three countries.
This is the first trinational project to have received the Weimar Triangle Label awarded by the FGYO and the GPYO. More info
Where? Genshagen Castle
When? 3-8 March 2025
Who? 21 young people, aged 18 to 25, from France, Germany and Poland
Organiser: The Genshagen Foundation
Partners: FGYO, GPYO, German Federation of Associations for Cultural Youth Education (BKJ)
Support provided by: The Hippocrene Foundation
A priority focus for the FGYO: Europe and European values
The main mission of the FGYO is to foster a Europe of peace and diversity, and to take this idea forward hand in hand with the European Union. Working in cooperation with several thousand partners, the FGYO is a laboratory for innovation and a pioneer for European and intercultural youth encounters.
What is the Weimar Triangle?
In the aftermath of the fall of the Iron Curtain, the ambition of France, Germany and Poland was to identify common fundamental interests in an effort to develop cross-border cooperation.
On 28 August 1991, Roland Dumas, Hans-Dietrich Genscher and Krzysztof Skubiszewski, the respective foreign ministers of the three countries, gathered in the city of Goethe and Schiller, authors of German Enlightenment, to create the Weimar Triangle. It was in a ten-point declaration that the ministers reaffirmed their countries’ decisive responsibility within the process of European integration. The idea was to associate France with German-Polish reconciliation by drawing on the Franco-German experience, and to strengthen dialogue and political cooperation across a variety of fields. Their initiative was also a matter of supporting what was looming at the time: Poland's accession to NATO (1999) and to the European Union (2004).
The link that the Weimar Triangle helps create among the countries of Central and Western Europe represents a considerable asset for the EU. By overcoming their national thinking, the three countries are working together to invest on behalf of a shared future and to promote peace in Europe. More than ever before, the trend in current socio-political debates underscores the importance of youth encounters, cultural events and town twinning that help promote European integration and the emergence and acceptance of a shared identity.
