On June 24–25, 2025, a unique event took place in Warsaw as part of the D-EFFECT project – Lessons in Civil Society Democracy, implemented under the Interreg South Baltic programme. It was the first “living lesson of participatory democracy” in Poland, combined with an intergenerational and cross-sectoral dialogue. During this two-day study and monitoring visit, more than 40 young leaders from Elbląg, Dzierzgoń, Olsztynek, and Szczecin had the opportunity not only to explore Warsaw but above all to learn about the functioning of key democratic institutions in Poland.

Young people representing active Youth Councils and civic communities visited the Polish Parliament, took part in live parliamentary proceedings, and participated in a meeting at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, where an open debate was held with representatives of the ministry, including Deputy Minister Dr. Maria Mrówczyńska. The young participants asked questions about the real impact of youth on shaping policies and public activities. They also met with experts representing third sector organisations such as the Ważne Sprawy Foundation and the Impuls Dla Młodych Foundation, and learned about the activities of Warsaw structures supporting district youth councils.

The event was not only an inspiration but also a concrete step in preparing for further initiatives under the D-EFFECT project, including pilot Local Democracy Festivals, which will soon take place in Elbląg, Dzierzgoń, Olsztynek, as well as abroad in Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, and Germany.

The experience gained during the Warsaw meeting will make it possible to design and implement future activities even more effectively, strengthening youth participation in public life at both the local and transnational level. Thanks to this, the project will develop a model for engaging young citizens that can serve as an example for the entire South Baltic region. We would like to thank all participants, partners, and honorary guests, including parliamentarians and representatives of the National Institute of Freedom, for their support and involvement in creating this living lesson of democracy!

Yesterday, during the Monitoring Committee meeting – held this year in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship to mark the Polish Presidency – we had the honour of presenting the D-EFFECT project. The meeting aimed to showcase the outcomes of projects implemented in the region and their impact on local development and the quality of life of its residents.

The D-EFFECT project – Lessons in Democracy for Civil Society: Integrating the Youth Perspective into Policy-Making at All Levels in Line with the Youth Strategy 2022–2027 – was presented by Marcin Żuchowski, Director of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic (lead partner), and Maksymilian Grzeszczak, representative of the Municipality of Olsztynek (project partner).

During the presentation, the main objectives of the project were outlined, with a focus on the development of local democratic festivals as an innovative method of encouraging youth civic engagement. Specific tools were showcased, such as roundtables, live history lessons, cross-sectoral activities, and local civic initiatives. The speakers discussed the progress of project implementation and the challenges related to broad inclusion of young people and local communities. They also highlighted the local perspective by sharing concrete results and experiences from the project’s implementation in the Municipality of Olsztynek.

The D-EFFECT project was warmly received by members of the Committee, who expressed appreciation for its value and alignment with Priority 4.1 of the programme – strengthening cooperation between civil society actors in the South Baltic region.

ROUNDTABLE IN ELBLAG - WE DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF YOUTH DEMOCRACY FESTIVALS!
As part of the implementation of activities from the D-EFFECT project - Lessons in Civil Society Democracy, bringing the youth perspective into the policy-making process at all levels in line with the Youth Strategy 2022-2027, today in Elblag's Old Town Hall we met at a “round table” to plan future Youth Democracy Festivals together with youth, local government officials and NGOs!
The program included such topics as:
joint reflection - what is a democracy festival for us?
inspiring examples of events from different
intensive group work using the world café method
thematic working teams (NGOs, local government, youth)
voting on the name of the event
and finally - concrete ideas, resources and actions for the future!
In the spirit of collaboration, we created the first skeins of an event to inspire, engage and give a voice to the young! It was a day full of conversations, sharing experiences and building real youth influence on society. And this is just the beginning!
The meeting was hosted by Karolina Pawlak and Michal Szostak - with energy, commitment and a smile

On November 28, 2024, the inaugural meeting of one of the activities of the “D-Effect” project, whose main goal is to activate young people through the development of civic participation and the organization of democratic festivals, was held at the “Światowid” European Meeting Center. The project was created in response to the needs of young people, resulting from consultations and workshops held over the past two years.

The initiative began with the idea of supporting cultural institutions and youth organizations. Over time, it evolved into a project promoting democratic attitudes and civic activism among young people. “D-Effect” includes activities in five countries in the Baltic Sea region, thanks to the cooperation of an international network of local governments, NGOs and Euroregions. Polish partners include the municipalities of Olsztynek, Dzierzgoń and Elbląg, as well as the Association of Polish Municipalities Euroregion Baltic and the Światowid European Meeting Center in Elblag.

The project emphasizes practical activities. One of its key elements are democracy festivals - spaces where young people can not only learn about the principles of democracy, but also co-create cultural and educational events. During the course of the project, participants will have the opportunity to see how youth participation works in other countries, such as Sweden, Denmark and Lithuania. The experience gained there will serve as inspiration to create local activities.

“D-Effect” is also an opportunity for international exchange of experiences. Young people will have the opportunity to participate in projects such as “Streets for Youth,” where young people plan the future of their cities in the run up to 2050. There will be pilot programs on sustainable development in Elblag and other locations, involving both youth and teachers.

The project is unique because it combines educational activities with practical support. It gives young people the tools to co-determine, create change and implement their own ideas for community development. The partners emphasize that “D-Effect” is a project created “for youth and by youth.” It gives the young generation a real opportunity to co-create the future - their own and their cities'.

We invite you to follow the progress of the project and participate in its events. More information coming soon!