Overview

Project Title: Empowering YOUTH for an Inclusive MEDiterranean (YOUTHMED)

Funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme.

General Objective

To empower young people and youth organizations across the Mediterranean to actively participate in public life, co-design policies, and develop inclusive solutions through structured dialogue and digital cooperation.

Background and Rationale

In the Mediterranean region, young people face high levels of unemployment, limited civic engagement opportunities, and fragmented access to decision-making processes. YOUTHMED seeks to transform this reality by activating a new model of youth participation based on structured dialogue, intercultural cooperation, and smart digital systems (SmartMaria). The project aims to build a resilient youth ecosystem capable of co-creating inclusive policies, improving trust between youth and institutions, and amplifying the voice of young citizens across borders.

Specific Objectives

• SO1: Establish a Mediterranean Youth Network that fosters cross-border exchange and cooperation.

• SO2: Promote inclusive youth policies through structured dialogue at local and transnational levels.

• SO3: Develop the SmartMaria platform to support intelligent, multilingual, and inclusive youth dialogue.

• SO4: Strengthen the capacity of youth organizations in advocacy, policy co-design, and civic participation.

• SO5: Enhance the visibility and impact of youth voices through media, campaigns, and public actions.

Expected Results

• Creation of a transnational youth network with active participation from 10+ countries.

• Launch and use of the SmartMaria platform to facilitate inclusive youth engagement and structured dialogue.

• Co-creation of local youth strategies and policy recommendations in each participating region.

• Strengthened institutional collaboration between youth CSOs and public authorities.

• Increased awareness on youth rights, civic participation, and social inclusion.

Target Groups

• Young people (with a focus on NEETs, women, and marginalized groups)

• Youth-led organizations and civil society actors

• Local and national authorities in partner regions

• Policy-makers and public sector institutions

• Educators and youth workers

Financial Data

• Total budget: €1,110,000

• Program contribution: €987,900 (89%)

Implementation Period

30 months (27/06/2025 – 26/12/2027)

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