Empowering Young People to Shape Europe’s Economic Future

At a time of geopolitical tension, green transformation, and rapid digital change, the EU is redefining its economic strategy. Yet discussions on competitiveness, economic governance, and strategic autonomy often remain distant from young people, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.

COMPASS - Competitiveness Policy for Accelerating Sustainable Solutions bridges this gap. The project creates accessible spaces where young people can understand, debate, and directly contribute to shaping Europe’s competitiveness agenda.

Across eight partner countries such as Belgium, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, Romania, Slovakia, Cyprus and Lithuania, COMPASS connects youth with policymakers, academics, and industry representatives. By turning complex policy debates into participatory experiences, the project strengthens democratic engagement in one of the EU’s most strategic policy fields.

From Learning to Policy Impact

COMPASS follows a clear path from knowledge-building to concrete recommendations, structured across five interconnected phases:

  • Online Launch Conference: A high-level virtual kick-off bringing together young participants, EU institutional representatives, academics, and industry experts to introduce the project themes, map youth civic preparedness, and launch a transnational online community hub.
  • Civic Incubator Labs (in 9 EU countries): Interactive, expert-led workshops and simulations providing accessible knowledge on EU competitiveness, economic governance, and strategic autonomy, while fostering mentoring, critical thinking, and cross-border exchange.
  • Competitiveness Dialogues (in 9 EU countries): Structured exchanges in each partner country connecting youth directly with Members of the European Parliament, European Commission representatives, and other policymakers to co-create concrete, evidence-based policy proposals.
  • European Forum in Brussels: A high-level transnational gathering where delegates consolidate national outcomes, engage with EU decision-makers, and collaboratively draft a Youth Strategy Paper on EU Global Competitiveness, contributing to ongoing EU debates, including discussions surrounding the Draghi Report.
  • Online Closing Conference: A final dissemination event presenting key results, launching the Youth Strategy Paper, and ensuring long-term networks and continued civic engagement beyond the project’s duration.

 

Project duration: 01/01/2026 - 31/12/2027

Our Partners

COMPASS is implemented together with: