On May 14–15, a mid-term meeting of the partners in the “D‑Effect – Lessons in Democracy and Civil Society” project took place. The purpose of the two-day meeting was to review activities to date, assess the progress of tasks according to the schedule, and discuss budgetary and communication issues, as well as the plan for the project’s conclusion.
During the working sessions, the partners reviewed the progress of task implementation, the financial status, and planned promotional activities. The discussions also covered the schedule for the next phases of the project and the mechanisms for monitoring and reporting results.
Closing Conference (OSI)
A key highlight of the meeting was the organization of the project’s Closing Conference (OSI—Operations of Strategic Importance Event), which is intended to serve as the culmination of the YDF (Youth Democratic Festivals) approach, based on the Round Table methodology. The conference is scheduled for March 4–5, 2027, in Hässleholm and aims to engage young people and create a space for dialogue among nations, generations, and sectors, showcasing the power and potential of civic dialogue.
Pilot Project During Almedalsveckan
The partners also discussed a strategy for promoting the Round Table and YDF methods in a way that is accessible to a broad audience, ranging from young people to those working with the younger generation and decision-makers. A pilot presentation of the methods is planned during Almedalsveckan (June 22–26, 2026)—Sweden’s largest event on civic participation. As part of this initiative, the partners will present jointly under the D‑Effect logo.
Conclusions and Next Steps
The meeting allowed the partnership to effectively summarize the first half of the project and coordinate activities for the coming months. Communication priorities, the schedule for preparations for the OSI, and tasks related to the pilot at Almedalsveckan were agreed upon.
Circular MuSe in Wejherowo: European partners are working together to develop practical circular economy solutions for cities and municipalities
This week, Wejherowo hosted an international exchange of experiences on the circular economy in municipal services. As part of a meeting of all Circular MuSe project partners, representatives of local governments, universities, and organizations from Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, and Sweden are working on concrete solutions designed to support more sustainable resource management in smaller cities and rural areas.
The two-day meeting is taking place at Ekofabryka Wejherowo and focuses primarily on practical activities: implementing pilot projects, exchanging knowledge, and preparing the next stages of international cooperation. Project partners discuss both the results of their activities to date and the next steps related to education, mentoring, and the development of tools to support local governments in the circular transition.
The first day of the meeting was primarily devoted to summarizing the project’s progress and experiences related to the implementation of training and educational activities. Partners present the results of the implemented training programs, the participant recruitment process, the most important topics raised by participants, and the practical aspects of organizing educational activities. Discussions also cover the further development of training modules in Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as ways to engage local government representatives and businesses in the circular transition process.
Another key element of the meeting is discussions on mentoring and the development of the Circular MuSe Knowledge Hub—a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices among project partners and stakeholders from various countries. Participants analyze the platform’s functionalities, its structure, and opportunities for further development so that it can more effectively support cities and municipalities implementing circular economy solutions.
One of the highlights of the program is a series of sessions dedicated to the pilot solutions being implemented by the project partners. These meetings take the form of an international expert review, during which the partners present the current status of their projects, technical specifications, and future investment plans. They then receive detailed feedback from the other participants and experts involved in the project.
In Wejherowo, one of the projects on display focuses on reusing sand left over from winter street cleaning. Partners from Denmark are presenting solutions for reusing sludge from water treatment plants, while Kalmar is showcasing initiatives for sludge management in the context of local municipal services. All these initiatives share a common goal: reducing waste, extending the life cycle of resources, and creating practical models that can be implemented in other cities and municipalities.
The second day of the meeting focuses on further developing the Circular MuSe knowledge base and building a portfolio of best practices for small towns and rural areas. Partners present the identified case studies and jointly assess their implementation potential, usefulness, and replicability in other municipalities. Particular attention is given to solutions that demonstrate how to effectively combine municipal services with the principles of the circular economy.
The meeting in Wejherowo is not only part of the project schedule but, above all, a space for practical cooperation among partners from different countries. Joint workshops, expert sessions, and study visits allow for the development of solutions that have a real impact on the development of more sustainable municipal services in Europe.
The program also included visits to the Eco-Factory and the urban areas of Wejherowo, allowing project partners to better understand local solutions and initiatives implemented by the local government and municipal entities responsible for municipal services.
The Circular MuSe project demonstrates that an effective transition toward a circular economy requires not only technology and investment, but also cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and the building of shared knowledge among cities, universities, and organizations from various European countries.
DON’T MISS OUT:
💡 You can already explore the basic features of the Circular Municipal Services Hub platform at this link: Circular Municipal Services Hub, where you’ll find a range of best practices, interesting case studies, and inspiration on how to support cities and municipalities in the field of circular solutions.
📅 SAVE THE DATE: If you’d like to join our expert team on a similar study visit to Kalmar, mark your calendar for September 28–30, 2026, and contact our project coordinator.DON’T MISS OUT:
Youth on Europe 2050 – the Mid-Range Youth Democracy Festival in Kretinga
Youth on Europe 2050 – Mid-Range Youth Democracy Festival in Kretinga, May 13–15, 2026 • Kretinga, Lithuania
The Youth Democratic Festival (YDF) took place in Kretinga from May 13–15. The city, which recently served as the Youth Capital of Lithuania, provided a space for discussion, the exchange of experiences, and workshop-based work on the challenges of the future.
Participants from Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany worked in thematic groups, discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, climate change, the influence of large corporations, and mental health. Each topic was analyzed through a workshop-based approach, which allowed for the development of specific observations and recommendations.
The common conclusion reached by representatives from all countries was the need for a greater sense of security in a rapidly changing world. The young people emphasized the need for support in the areas of digital literacy, mental health protection, and transparency in the actions of institutions and companies.
Participants had the opportunity to work with experts in youth work, civic engagement, and digital literacy. Additionally, sessions were held on expressing concerns and actively participating in the life of the local community. Organizations working on behalf of the younger generation and local initiatives also presented at the event.
The D-Effect Project and Next Steps
The festival is part of the D-Effect project—Lessons in Democracy and Civil Society—which aims to incorporate the youth perspective into the EU policy-making process. The project includes a series of three Youth Democracy Festivals: a pilot, a medium-scale, and a large-scale event in each of the partner countries. The next stage in Lithuania will be the Large-Scale Youth Democracy Festival, based on the conclusions from the Round Tables and previous events.
Roundtable in Olsztynek as part of the D-Effect project - joint planning of the Youth Democracy Festival
In Olsztynek, a meeting was held as part of the D-Effect project dedicated to preparations for the Youth Democratic Festival (YDF). Young people, representatives of public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and local communities worked together on the concept of the event, identifying the needs of young residents and developing proposals for activities and program elements. The meeting was conducted in the form of a Round Table and formed part of the process of strengthening intergenerational dialogue in the municipality of Olsztynek.
Joint work on the YDF concept The event in Olsztynek was implemented within the D-Effect project, which aims to develop youth participation mechanisms and create spaces for co-decision-making on local matters. The meeting focused on preparing the assumptions for the Youth Democratic Festival. Participants analyzed what type of event would respond to the needs of young people, which topics should be included, and what forms of activity could increase engagement within the local community. Youth voice and diagnosis of local needs The first part of the meeting was dedicated to the work of young people from Olsztynek. Participants identified elements that are important for their daily life in the town, as well as areas requiring change or further development. Young participants then developed proposals for the Youth Democratic Festival, indicating possible activities, thematic directions, and solutions that, in their view, should be included in the event programme. Perspective of institutions and local partners The second part of the meeting brought together representatives of public institutions, non-governmental organizations, educational units, and local social initiatives. Based on the youth’s conclusions and proposals, the feasibility of implementing individual ideas was analyzed, and the potential contribution of partners to the future YDF was discussed. The discussion focused on combining institutional experience with the perspectives of young residents and building a coherent event programme based on cooperation.
Key areas of work During the meeting, particular attention was paid to identifying the needs of young people in the municipality of Olsztynek, defining possible themes and formats of the Youth Democratic Festival, designing activities engaging different social groups, and strengthening cooperation between youth, institutions, and local organizations. The meeting created a space for direct dialogue and joint development of solutions based on local resources and experiences.
Next stages The developed proposals will be discussed again at the next Round Table in Olsztynek, scheduled for the summer period. Based on them, the programme of the Youth Democratic Festival will be developed as a result of joint work between young people and local partners. The event was attended by representatives of, among others, the Municipal Office in Olsztynek, Mayor of Olsztynek Robert Waraksa, members of the Municipal Council, School and Preschool Complex in Waplewo, OSP Olsztynek, Start Olsztynek – Club for People with Disabilities, Senior Council in Olsztynek, Active Municipality initiative, Association “Po godzinach,” Municipal Social Welfare Center in Olsztynek, Mayor’s Plenipotentiary for Prevention, University of the Third Age, Municipal Library in Olsztynek, Association of People with Diabetes, and students from schools in the municipality of Olsztynek.
About the D-Effect project The D-Effect project supports the development of youth civic participation tools, including Round Tables and Youth Democratic Festivals (YDF). Its aim is to strengthen cooperation between young residents, public institutions, and social organizations in local decision-making processes.
Round Table in the D-Effect project in Elbląg youth and institutions co-design the autumn YDF edition
A meeting within the D-Effect project was held in Elbląg, bringing together young people, representatives of institutions, and local organisations. The main objective was to summarise ongoing activities and develop the framework for the autumn edition of the Youth Democratic Festival (YDF).
Review of key conclusions from the first Round Table
The meeting began with a review of the main outcomes from the first Round Table involving youth and institutional partners. Participants revisited identified needs related to youth participation in decision making processes and the quality of cooperation between sectors.
The discussion also highlighted lessons learned from previous collaboration experiences. These showed both strong potential for cross sector partnerships and areas requiring improved coordination, clearer communication, and earlier involvement of young people in planning processes.
Evaluation of the pilot Youth Democratic Festival 2025
A detailed evaluation of the pilot YDF edition held in 2025 in Elbląg followed. Participants analysed the applied working methods and the level of youth engagement, which was assessed as high and active.
At the same time, several organisational and communication barriers were identified. These included coordination challenges between partners, logistical issues, and the need to better align the event format with the expectations of young participants. The conclusions will be used to refine future editions of the festival.
Developing the concept for the autumn YDF edition
The next part of the meeting focused on designing the upcoming autumn edition of the Youth Democratic Festival. The session had a workshop format and included mapping program ideas alongside available institutional and organisational resources.
Participants identified potential thematic areas for the festival and matched them with concrete capacities of partner organisations. This allowed for linking conceptual ideas with realistic implementation possibilities in terms of human, organisational, and institutional resources.
Key discussion areas
The discussion centred on several guiding questions related to the future shape of the event. These included what young people want to contribute to the festival, how institutions and organisations can support their involvement, and what resources are already available within the local ecosystem.
Another important topic was the next steps in the cooperation process, with emphasis on ensuring a more coherent and structured preparation phase based on a partnership driven model.
Conclusions and significance of the meeting
The outcomes and ideas developed during the Round Table will form the basis for the framework of the autumn Youth Democratic Festival in Elbląg. The meeting reinforced the importance of strengthening youth participation structures and further developing local cooperation mechanisms between young people and institutions.
Participants
The meeting gathered representatives from:
Centre for Art Galeria EL,
Elbląg Technology Park,
Fabryka Dobra,
University of Applied Sciences in Elbląg,
AMiSNS,
Volunteer Centre in Elbląg,
Centrum Wolontariatu in Elbląg,
the Social Consultation Office of the Elbląg City Hall,
the Municipality of Olsztynek,
student representatives,
Sylwia Bożyk, the Mayor’s Plenipotentiary for Youth Affairs.
BALTWRECK project - Mid-Term Interviews
The BALTWRECK project has now reached its mid-term stage. Since the beginning of the project, partners and experts from the Baltic Sea Region have been working together to address environmental risks associated with shipwrecks and potential leaks of hazardous substances.
We present a video in which representatives of the project consortium summarize the progress achieved so far, share insights from the first phase of implementation, and outline priorities for the coming months. The interviews also highlight the importance of international cooperation in protecting the marine environment of the Baltic Sea.
In the interviews, the experts speak about: the key achievements and results of the project so far, conclusions from the first phase of project implementation, activities already completed and current priority areas, motivations and inspirations behind the project activities, expected outcomes and future goals of the project.
We invite you to watch the video:
Management of sunken munitions and their environmental impact - registration for the Stakeholder Dialogue Event in Belgium
Managing submerged munitions and their environmental impact is one of the key topics of international cooperation in Europe’s marine regions.
On 4 June 2026, the Stakeholder Dialogue Event will take place in Oostende, Belgium, organized within the REMARCO project (https://lnkd.in/dU2Q3yNr) - an initiative carried out by an international consortium of partners from the North Sea region, also cooperating with projects addressing threats related to submerged munitions and wrecks in the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltwreck project.
The event will focus on decision-making processes concerning the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO), as well as challenges related to the protection of the marine environment. The meeting will bring together scientific experts, policymakers, and practitioners dealing with submerged munitions and the management of contaminated marine areas. Discussions will cover, among other topics, the environmental impact of munitions, the potential consequences of remediation activities, and the search for more sustainable solutions for UXO management. In the field of research and international cooperation, the MUNIMAP and CONMAR Munition projects are also linked to these efforts.
Cooperation and resilience of regions take center stage at the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 in Tallinn
Resilience Edition EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 and BSSSC Day of Cities and Regions in Tallinn. Promotion of the BaltWreck, CircularMuse and D-Effect projects.
Discussions on the future and resilience of the Baltic Sea Region in Tallinn
On 11–13 May, the Kultuurikatel conference centre in Tallinn hosted a series of events dedicated to regional cooperation, security, and strengthening the resilience of the Baltic Sea Region within the framework of the BSSSC Day of Cities and Regions and the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026.
The meeting brought together representatives of local and regional authorities, public administrations, international organisations, EU institutions, academia, and youth networks from across the Baltic Sea Region.
Security, energy transition and cross-border cooperation at the core of debates
The programme focused on the key challenges facing the Baltic Sea Region. Major topics included regional security and resilience, cross-border cooperation, energy transition, climate change adaptation, and the development of social innovation.
Participants also discussed the future of cooperation programmes beyond 2027, demographic challenges, regional competitiveness, and joint actions aimed at sustainable development and strengthening the social and economic resilience of the countries of the Baltic Sea Region.
Networking sessions and workshops also played an important role, enabling knowledge exchange and the development of cooperation between partners from different countries.
Promotion of the BaltWreck, CircularMuse and Deffect projects
During the event, the CircularMuse, Deffect, and BaltWreck projects were actively promoted.
Informational materials presenting ongoing activities were displayed in the forum’s networking area, and project representatives actively participated in thematic discussions on regional cooperation, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
International debate on wrecks and submerged munitions in the Baltic Sea
On the second day of the event, within the parallel sessions, the panel “Hidden ‘Treasures’ of the BSR – Munitions and Wrecks in the Sea: Risks, Challenges and Solutions” was held, focusing on environmental threats and maritime safety in the Baltic Sea Region.
The panel addressed the issue of shipwrecks and submerged munitions lying on the seabed of the Baltic Sea. Experts presented the scale of environmental risks associated with corrosion of wrecks and the release of hazardous substances into the marine environment, as well as measures being undertaken to monitor and mitigate these risks.
The BaltWreck project was also represented in the discussion, showcasing its activities aimed at addressing risks related to hazardous wrecks and protecting the marine environment of the Baltic Sea.
Regional cooperation as a key to the future of the Baltic Sea
The Tallinn event served as an important platform for exchanging experience, building partnerships, and strengthening cooperation between cities, regions, and organisations across the Baltic Sea Region.
The discussions demonstrated that effectively addressing current challenges – from environmental security to energy transition – requires long-term international cooperation and jointly developed solutions for the entire region.
