The project, led by the Hungarian agency BORA 94, is part of a program supporting the development of competencies for smart specialization and industrial transformation in Central Europe. The project combines the results and outcomes of four previously implemented projects (AGRI-DIGITAL-GROWTH, AGROTUR+, TASK4ISI, D-EFFECT), further developing its youth work approach, creating a new, integrated transnational solution. The project's target group is rural youth aged 18-30, who have limited access to such initiatives due to economic constraints and often communication exclusion.
Project Goal
The goal of Youth4Agri is to provide a better competency environment for young people and to equip them with new skills to support the transformation of agriculture towards a green and digital transformation, using a people-centered approach.
The project aims to overcome the obstacles facing young people that limit social and professional mobility. Transnational cooperation aims to build competitiveness and resilience in partner territories and encourage the movement of qualified young people across borders.
The project aims to increase:
the mobility of young people,
their career opportunities in agriculture,
the competitiveness of rural regions,
transnational cooperation.
Youth4Agri does not create new tools from scratch, but combines the best existing solutions into a coherent system that develops young people's competences, strengthens the agriculture of the future, removes cross-border barriers, and builds lasting international cooperation across Central European countries.
Key Project Activities
Establishment and launch of a transnational Youth Forum (Youth Forum), which will support pilot activities and promote the active participation and engagement of young people.
Pilot implementation of a training program on sustainable and digital agriculture, including online educational modules, including precision agriculture.
Organization of a transnational summer school in Slovenia, combining education on sustainable production with fieldwork and study visits.
Launch of a support and advisory platform offering youth, among other things, Business training and mentoring to facilitate cross-border mobility.
Organization of an international festival (Youth4Agri Festival)
Development of a transnational strategy and local action plans to permanently implement the project's solutions.
Benefits for young people resulting from the project implementation
Acquiring modern competencies in precision agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Access to personalized counseling, expert support, and networking workshops at specialized support hubs.
Overcoming so-called "soft barriers," such as communication difficulties, cultural differences, and lack of knowledge about job opportunities abroad.
Building international contacts, exchanging experiences, and actively participating in decision-making processes through membership in the Youth Forum.
PROJECT BRIEF
Source of financing: Interreg Central Europe
Association role: Project partner with its own budget
Application stage: Waiting for contract signature
Start date: September 1, 2026
Project duration: 24 months (until August 31, 2028)
Project budget: EUR 908,798.80
STG ERB budget: EUR 170,982.00
Own contribution: EUR 34,196.40 (20%)
D-Effect
D-Effect – Youth, Democracy, and Joint Action
D-Effect is an international project implemented under the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021-2027, which aims to strengthen civil society by actively engaging young people in democratic processes and the lives of local communities. The project is based on the belief that democracy is best learned through action, collaboration, and real impact on the surrounding reality.
In the project, young people are not merely participants in activities, but co-creators. Together with representatives of local governments, social organizations, cultural institutions, and experts, they plan initiatives, conduct dialogue, and co-decide on the directions of action. This approach strengthens a sense of empowerment, develops civic competences, and builds lasting partnerships between young people and adults.
Methodology
The project's activities form a coherent educational and social process. They begin with Round Tables, during which young people, together with local partners, identify the most important needs and jointly design further initiatives. This is followed by Youth Democracy Festivals – events prepared by young people with the support of adults, providing a space for conversation, collaboration, education, and active participation in public life. A key element of the project is also Live Democracy Lessons, enabling face-to-face meetings with representatives of public administration, European institutions, social organizations, and individuals involved in democratic processes.
The project is international in nature and involves partners from Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, and Germany. Through cross-border collaboration, participants exchange experiences, learn about different models of democracy, and jointly develop solutions that can be used even after the project's conclusion.
Results and Impact
One of the most important outcomes of D-Effect will be the development of practical materials, tools, and recommendations that will help local governments, organizations, and institutions effectively engage young people in social and civic life. The developed method of Youth Democracy Festivals is intended to become a lasting tool supporting the development of civic engagement in the Baltic Sea region and an inspiration for further initiatives across Europe.
D-Effect demonstrates that democracy is not limited to elections or formal procedures. It's about daily collaboration, openness to dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for the development of local communities. Thanks to the involvement of young people, the project is building the foundations of a conscious, active, and responsible civil society.
SCONE - Sustainability Cooperation Network in the South Baltic
SCONE Project Overview
The SCONE project continues the work with schools and youth in the field of ecology, building on the GreenUp project. The main focus is on sustainable development curricula in high schools, pro-ecological activities, working with teachers and students, and strengthening extracurricular education. The project aims to fill this critical gap by developing and implementing innovative educational programs that equip youth with the knowledge and skills needed to take meaningful action in the face of the global climate crisis. By fostering a sense of agency and collective responsibility, we aim to inspire and empower future generations to be leaders in combating climate change.
Project Objectives
The SCONE project focuses on strengthening cooperation in the Southern Baltic region by addressing climate issues among students through cross-border collaboration. It aims to support cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation to promote innovative teaching methods and extracurricular activities. These initiatives will enable students to inspire each other and create regional networks to address global climate challenges locally and regionally. Students will enhance their cross-border collaboration skills by working together on sustainable development issues. Their efforts will be showcased at sustainability camps and hackathons, encouraging active participation in tackling climate challenges. The project recognizes the crucial role of schools and teachers in creating meaningful challenges that inspire and offer both learning potential and action opportunities. Teachers will play a key role in facilitating and supporting young people's educational activities while allowing them the freedom to develop their own initiatives.
Project Outcomes
The outcome of the project will be the creation of a network of organizations with enhanced cooperation capacity. These organizations will work together to promote sustainable development using a holistic approach that involves the entire school. High school teachers and teacher training colleges will increase their capacity to collaborate by focusing on education for sustainable development as a teaching practice.