We spent three intensive and inspiring days in Vienna with our COOPOWER partners, taking major steps toward creating practical, locally tailored solutions to strengthen youth employability and social inclusion across the Danube Region.
What happened?
- Together we identified the pilot target groups and their key challenges, from small villages in Slovakia to the Bulgarian seaside, from disadvantaged communities around Tokaj in Hungary to long-term unemployed youth in Serbia.
- We discussed how to ensure real outreach, involvement and engagement, and reached a shared understanding of the concepts.
- Through creative workshops, we worked on pilot structures, youth motivation, trust-building, and effective local cooperation mechanisms (LCIs).
- We explored inspiring examples of how to involve businesses, schools, municipalities and civil society actors, even in challenging local environments.
Key takeaways:
- Youth don’t need to be “activated”, they need to be listened to and engaged as partners.
- The success of each pilot depends on local collaboration, trust and flexibility.
- A good idea is not enough on its own: clear definitions, shared goals and ongoing dialogue are essential.
Pilot activities starting soon!
By February 2026, each country will have its first detailed pilot plan ready. In the coming months, we will begin building the Local Cooperation Incubators (LCIs) and shaping the Danube Transnational Dialogue Hub.
A warm thank you to all partners for your insights, ideas and constructive discussions!
COOPOWER is implemented with the support of the Interreg Danube Region Programme and co-financed by the European Union and the Széchényi Programme Office.