Meath Partnership

ABOUT THE PROJECT

GroundUp is an initiative born from a coalition of Local Action Groups (LAG's), supported by municipalities and non-profit civil society organisations across 14 EU member states. The project's activities span 21 months, from January 2024 to September 2025. Its goal is to actively engage and empower local citizens from Europe's rural and peripheral areas, particularly young people, in democratic processes related to the EU and local self-governance.

Through the GroundUp project, in collaboration with the other 13 European Union countries, we aim to examine the current electoral landscape in our nations. We seek to understand why voter turnout is declining despite the significant impact elections have on the development of municipalities, regions, states, and the entire European Union. Our focus is on finding ways to inspire young people to engage in public affairs and to help them realise that their involvement shapes their future.

We also aim to educate people on discerning the truth, encouraging critical thinking, verification of information, and contextual understanding. It is crucial to convey that freedom and democracy come with responsibilities and efforts. Through highlighting past struggles for freedom and the fragility of current liberties, we aim to support greater care and involvement in democratic processes.

Throughout the project, we hope to address these questions by exchanging information, sharing experiences, and adopting best practices among European countries. This will be facilitated through three online and five in-person conferences over the project's nearly two-year duration.

COMPLETED ACTIVITIES

Inaugural Online Conference - From the Ground Up: Supporting Rural Youth Participation in the EU REPORT Agenda

This online conference served as the launch event for the GroundUp PROJECT. It focused on strategies and practices to enhance the participation of rural youth in the EU REPORT agenda. Various stakeholders, including LAG's, non-profit organisations, and municipal representatives from 14 EU member states, participated to share insights and discuss methods to engage and empower young people in rural and peripheral areas.

European Conference in Poland - From Community-Led Local Development, the LEADER Method, and Local Participatory Budgeting to the European Citizens' Initiative

This conference covered the evolution of community-led local development practices, highlighting the LEADER method and the impact of local participatory budgeting. Discussions centered around how these initiatives contribute to the broader European Citizens' Initiative, aiming to support greater citizen engagement and participation at the local and EU levels.

Citizens' Dialogue: European Parliment 2024 Elections - Why Do We Need Fair and Equal Elections? The Role of Youth in EU Democracy

This dialogue emphasised the importance of fair and equal elections, particularly in the context of the European Parliment 2024 elections. The session focused on the role of youth in sustaining and enhancing EU democracy. It explored strategies to motivate young people to participate in the electoral process, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions are recognised in shaping the future of the EU.

Upcoming Activities

European Conference in Greece

• Citizenship in the EU and the Rights of Mobile EU Citizens - This conference will explore the rights of EU citizens who live and work in different member states, focusing on the challenges and opportunities they face.
• Oxford Debate: The Meaning of Identity and Belonging in Political Processes - A structured debate will delve into the concepts of identity and belonging within the context of political engagement and citizenship.
• Slander as a Political Tool - This session will discuss the use of slander in political discourse and its impact on democratic processes.

Webinar - Freedom to Travel, Live and Work: Maastricht Treaty

• The Young Parliament of the GroundUp Project on the Rights of EU Citizens - This webinar will cover the freedoms established by the Maastricht Treaty, with a focus on the rights of EU citizens to travel, live, and work across member states. The Young Parliament will discuss and advocate for these rights.

European Conference in Sweden

• New Phenomena that Threaten the Integrity of Elections: Disinformation, Fake News, Misleading Content - This conference will address contemporary challenges to election integrity, such as disinformation and fake news.
• Citizens' Dialogue: Voices of Youth - Preparation for a Study Visit to Brussels - This session will engage youth in discussions about their upcoming study visit to Brussels, emphasising the importance of their voices in EU dialogues.

Study Visit to Brussels

• Results of the Conference on the Future of Europe (Citizens' Recommendations) in the Context of EU Citizenship Rights - More Power for Citizens - Participants will present and discuss the outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe, focusing on enhancing the power and rights of EU citizens.
• Transfer of Conclusions from Youth to EU Policy Makers - Youth participants will convey their conclusions and recommendations to EU policymakers, advocating for stronger citizen engagement.

European Conference in the Czech Republic

• Conservative Shifts in Politics - How Do They Affect the Quality of Life of Rural Residents? - This conference will examine the impact of conservative political trends on rural communities.
• Oxford Debate: Who Are We Voting For? The Gender Dimension of Politics and Local Development - A debate will explore gender issues in politics and their implications for local development and elections.

Webinar - Interstate Cooperation of Youth and Local Public Authorities

• New Technologies and E-Democracy - This webinar will discuss the role of new technologies in supporting interstate cooperation among youth and enhancing e-democracy.

Basic Information About the Project

• Participating Countries: Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Austria, Poland.
• Duration: 21 months (January 2024 to September 2025).
• Cost: 226,850 EURO
• Provider of Financial Support: European, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)