Future of Democracy Lab – Shaping Tomorrow’s Democracy Together
The Future of Democracy Lab is organized by young people for young people. Thirty participants from Germany, France, and Poland will come together in Berlin for five days to discuss and shape their visions for the future.
What kind of democracy do you want to live in — and who gets to decide?
Climate, war, insecurity, the pressure of just figuring life out — the young generation is facing a future full of question marks. It’s easy to feel like none of it is in your hands. The Future of Democracy Lab flips that. For five days, you swap worrying for building: you’ll develop concrete ideas, meet people who actually shape decisions, and design your own vision for how democracy could work tomorrow – as co-creators.
You’ll grow your:
- Voice — the confidence and skills to speak up and be heard
- Democratic toolkit — how democracy works, and how to move it
- Vision — your own concrete idea for the future, developed with your team
- Network — friends and allies across three countries
At the end, you’ll get a Youthpass documenting everything you’ve learned — useful for your CV, uni application or next job.
By young people, for young people
The Lab is made with young people, not just for them. Two participants from each country take the wheel: helping shape the programme, moderating sessions and facilitating on site.
If you’re ready for real responsibility and a crash course in leadership, this is your spot — just tell us when you apply.
Programme
This isn’t a lecture hall. Expect to be in dialogue and co-creating:
- Roll up your sleeves in interactive workshops
- Go behind the scenes at political institutions and put your questions to a member of parliament
- Meet the changemakers — people from civil society and initiatives who turn ideas into impact
- Build your vision in the Future Workshop and pitch your own project idea to the group
Your perspective is needed here
Democracy only gets fairer when everyone helps shape it. That’s why we especially encourage young people who have faced discrimination, and voices that too often go unheard, to apply. No formal education needed, no experience required. The more perspectives around the table, the better the future we build together — and there’s a place at this table for yours.
Participant Information
- When: November 14 – November 18, 2026
- Where: Berlin
- Who: Young people aged 18–24
- Language: Working language will be English
- Costs: Participation in the programme is free of charge
Ready to shape tomorrow’s democracy?
Are you motivated to share your ideas about the future of democracy and shape new visions together with other young people? Then apply here till August 31, 2026.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Sofia Eleftheriadi (sez@eab-berlin.eu)
Collaboration across borders
The Future of Democracy Lab is led by the European Academy Berlin together with our partners Maison de l’Europe de Paris (France) and Step to Europe (Poland). We thank the European Union through Erasmus+ and the Franco-German Youth Office (DFJW/OFAJ) for funding the project.
Partner
