“EU4 YOUth” Youth exchange, 8-16 May 2026, in Larnaka, Cyprus

Th “EU 4 YOUth” project implemented in the frame of ERASMUS + youth exchange by Youth Dynamics as a Hosting group. It is a dynamic international initiative designed  to bridge cultures and empower the next generation of European leaders. This project serves as a collaborative platform to dismantle barriers of discrimination and transform how we perceive diversity in our daily lives.

By bringing together youth from across the continent, we aimed to turn cultural differences into collective strengths

Through this exchange, we intended to achieve the following:

-Deepening knowledge of European institutions, youth rights, and democratic processes.

-Creating direct channels of communication between young citizens and European policymakers.

-Cultivating mutual respect and solidarity among individuals from diverse social and religious backgrounds.

-Empowering youth to take a stand against discrimination and lead inclusion efforts in their home communities.

-Strengthening the understanding of European values, democracy, and the freedom of movement.

Report of participants

My name is Giannis, and I come from Thessaloniki, Greece. This past May, I had the privilege of participating in the EU 4 YOUth project, organized by Youth Dynamics — an experience that turned out to be far more than I had anticipated.

The program offered a well-rounded exploration of topics that matter deeply to young adults today. Through a series of workshops and activities, participants engaged with themes such as lifelong learning, career development, and civic participation at both local and European levels.

For me personally, the sessions on European mobility programs were a revelation.

I am always been drawn to politics and eager to contribute to decision making processes, I finally gained a clear understanding of the pathways available — including the Bluebook and Schuman traineeships, which I found particularly inspiring. The CV writing and career integration seminar was equally valuable, perfectly tailored to our group, most of whom were between 20 and 26 years old and navigating that pivotal transition into professional life.

Coming off a demanding and somewhat isolated academic period, this project gave me exactly the kind of productive reset I needed — a chance to step back, reflect, and realign my goals with a renewed sense of direction.

Beyond the formal programme, however, it was the human connections that left the deepest mark. From the very first day, our group shared a remarkable sense of warmth and unity.

The friendships I formed there feel like ones that will last a lifetime, and I have no doubt they will bring me back to corners of Europe I have yet to explore.

I felt truly welcomed and at home within the group — and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy being at the heart of more than a few memorable evening gatherings.

On a deeper level, the experience was genuinely therapeutic. It reminded me of who I am at my core: someone who thrives on challenge, embraces new experiences, and finds energy

in connecting with others. Cyprus itself was a wonderful discovery — strikingly familiar in some ways, yet fascinatingly distinct from Greece in others. Perivolia and everything it represents will hold a special place in my heart for a long time to come.

To anyone hesitating about taking part in an Erasmus+ programme: don’t. It may just remind you of the best version of yourself.

Giannis Partheniotis

Hi! My name is Theodora and I am from Greece. Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in a program called “EU 4 Youth” in Larnaca, Cyprus.

This experience was very special to me because it gave me the chance to learn more about the European Union and the opportunities it offers to young people in Europe. Before the project, I only knew a few basic things about the EU. However, through this program I was able to better understand topics such as education, culture, volunteering, and the importance of young people’s participation in society.

During the program, we participated in many workshops, activities, and discussions about teamwork, active citizenship, and the role of young people in Europe. The trainers encouraged us to share our ideas openly, work together, and discuss our thoughts about the future of Europe. Through these activities, I improved my communication and teamwork skills and I also became more confident speaking English and expressing my opinions in front of others.

One of the best parts of this experience was meeting people from different countries and cultures. I met participants with different backgrounds and perspectives and it was very interesting to learn more about their daily lives and experiences.

Even though we came from different backgrounds we realized that we had many common dreams and goals. Working and spending time together every day helped me understand how important respect and cooperation are. It also helped me become more open-minded and appreciate other cultures even more.

In addition, we attended lectures from experts on European topics and visited the EU House in Nicosia, where we learned more about the work of the European Union in Cyprus and Europe. We also explored the center of Larnaca during the Europe Day celebrations and Nicosia which made the whole experience even more exciting and memorable.

Overall, participating in “EU 4 Youth” was an unforgettable experience for me. It helped me grow as a person ,make new friendships and learn many valuable things about Europe. I feel very grateful for this opportunity and I believe that programs like this are very important for young people because they bring people together and create beautiful memories.

Theodora Samouilidou

Hi ! My name is Panos and i’m from Lefkada,Greece! I was a participant in one of the best one life time experiences the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange ‘’EU 4 Youth’’ that held in Pervolia,Larnaca,Cyprus at 8-16 May.

We have learnt a lot of things througn non formal learning and we have enriched in a big point our knowledges.

I was part of wonderful workshops that helped me to improve my skills and to achieve to cooperate and communicate with other people for having the best possible results.

In this project, we engaged in discussions,reflection and interactive activities that build awareness of discrimination, encourage active citizenship and strengthen their role in shapin Europe’s future.

Also, i want to mention our fantastic workshops such as the one that we have presented all the participated countries one problem that bother our countries and we have talked about its facts, consequences and solutions.

In addition, one of my favourites workshops was the ‘’Learning about Cvs,Interview skills and Soft skills by ms Petrou that we have learnt the current situation in job market, how to make our future Cvs and how to develop our Soft skills.

Furthermore, we have also volunteered to paint and to cut a garden of a primary school to we can show our green and social impact. Also, we had a lot of cool speeches about the Erasmus+ projects from Europe Direct into the venue and from the employers of the European Union House in Nicosia that we have got to know about the various funding projects and programs by European Union that exist.In conclusion, from this project i have developed my communication,cooperation,team work and to help myself to achieve my goals.

Panos Fytopoulos

I am Andreas from Athens, Greece and I recently participated in the Erasmus+ YE “EU 4 Youth” held in Pervolia, Cyprus. The project provided a structured environment to learn about the EU, focusing heavily on interactive workshops and intercultural exchange.

Instead of traditional lectures, we learned about the EU through non-formal education methods. We participated in interactive workshops that required us to collaborate, debate, and solve problems related to active citizenship, youth participation, and the future of Europe. This hands-on approach made complex European concepts much easier to grasp and allowed us to develop practical skills like teamwork and effective communication in an international setting.

The project also featured insightful sessions with guest speakers. We attended presentations from Europe Direct and visited the European Union House in Nicosia. These experts provided clear breakdowns of EU institutions, available funding programs, and specific opportunities designed to support young people across the continent.

A significant part of the experience was the people. The project brought together individuals from various countries, creating a dynamic international network. Working daily with people from diverse backgrounds challenged my perspectives and improved my ability to communicate cross-culturally. We spent a lot of time sharing our local realities, which highlighted both our cultural differences and our shared goals. The connections made and the new people I met during this exchange were just as valuable as the educational content.

Overall, the “EU 4 Youth” exchange was a highly productive experience that successfully combined practical learning about the European Union with the opportunity to build strong, collaborative relationships with peers from across Europe.

Andreas Baxavanos