KA220-YOU – Cooperation partnerships in youth (KA220-YOU)
EDGES – Entrepreneurship & Digital Skills to Increase Employability in Green & Social Economy
The EDGES project, in which Euroaction is a partner, is implemented within the framework of the ERASMUS+ Programme, Key Action 2: Cooperation between organisations and institutions, Partnerships in the field of Youth (funding agreement no. KA220-YOU-2E97A5B3) and aims to bring young people living in remote, rural areas closer to education, innovation and the opportunities of the green and social economy. Through the project, participants will learn about new forms of sustainable entrepreneurship, strengthen their digital skills and gain access to modern tools that enhance their employability and creativity.
The project partners are:
DCN GLOBAL (https://dcnglobal.net/), a globally recognized organization active in the field of digital communication, social impact campaigns, technology and innovation. As a unique initiative, it operates as a multi-sectoral coalition, forming a network spanning the entire continent and attracting diverse actors, facilitating collaboration to leverage the best talents, ideas and resources. DCN GLOBAL focuses on improving digital and communication spaces, strengthening collaboration and promoting democratic values in response to the critical challenges facing the region.
Euroaction S.A.., a multifaceted organization, operating since 2007, with its main activity being the provision of advisory services to a wide range of national and international entities, both in the private and public sectors, for projects co-financed by the EU. In its main area of expertise, since its establishment in 2007, the organization focuses on the provision of advisory services in the management and coordination of projects financed by the European Union. Its clientele consists of large organizations, such as Ministries, Regional and Local Authorities, Universities and Railway Authorities. In addition to management advisory services, Euroaction offers its expertise and services in projects concerning entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, digital applications in environmental and urban management, digital applications in the fields of health, tourism and culture. The activities it develops include studies, guides, evaluation reports, IT applications, events, etc.
European Social Impact Institute (ESI)(https://esi-institute.eu/), a non-profit organization based in central Romania, where highly qualified professionals, PhD holders and practitioners co-create to provide expertise in research, training, community empowerment and social development. ESI takes action in social innovation, co-creation, capacity building and impact-making actions. ESI is the supporter of local NGO initiatives in the regions of Sibiu, Romania. ESI is a partner in a recently funded Erasmus+ project that empowers young people through sports activities. In addition, it has been a reliable partner in other EU joint projects dealing with intercultural exchanges at international level.
The SAVREMIE Association(https://www.savremie.org/en) is a non-governmental organization with more than 20 years of experience in the development and implementation of national, cross-border and international projects related to the promotion of cultural heritage, international exchanges and youth education, tourism development, support for ecologically oriented producers and production sectors, such as organic production and the development of the organic market, sustainable production methods in the textile industry, sustainable production of fashion clothing, innovative ecologically oriented production of sustainable materials for the textile and fashion industry.
The EDGES project framework
According to Eurostat, in June 2024, in unemployment among young people under 25, Greece was in fourth place, with 22.5%, with a corresponding unemployment rate of 14.4% in the EU.
At the same time, Bulgaria is one of the EU countries facing a significant increase in youth unemployment. According to Eurostat data for March 2024, the youth unemployment rate increased from 9.7% to 16%. Blagoevgrad region is significantly affected by this trend, as it is among the regions with the largest number of registered unemployed young people up to 29 years old.
Similarly, in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, unemployed young people under 25 years old amount to 26.1%, higher than the national rate of 21.8%.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, youth unemployment in Romania recently reached around 15%, with rural areas facing even higher rates due to limited employment opportunities and educational resources (INS, 2022).
Youth unemployment in all three regions highlights the urgent need for targeted measures to address the challenges young people face in the labour market. An inclusive green and social economy can offer alternative career paths for young people in remote areas, while promoting sustainable and equitable communities. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, it “is the path to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, eradicating poverty while ensuring ecological boundaries that support human health, well-being and growth.”
Project objectives within the framework of the Cooperation Partnership
- collective approach to the project topic
- exchange of experiences, tools and techniques, as well as knowledge from each partner’s work with young people in the areas where it operates
- exchange of organisational good practices and lessons learned identified by partner organisations in project management at EU and international level
- improving the capabilities and know-how of partners
- the multiplication of their networks, including diversified and cross-sectoral bodies, at EU and international level.
Project objectives in the Youth sector
- to educate young people and familiarize them with the green and social economy and related business opportunities
- to strengthen their digital skills
- to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial skills
- provide them with access to digital tools that promote employability and entrepreneurship
Main project actions
The EDGES workshops, held in all participating countries, aim to equip young participants with the skills and knowledge for green and social entrepreneurship, focusing on inclusion and digital tools. Held over 8 sessions, the workshops combine theory, practical skills and real-world applications. By the end, participants will understand the green and social economy, learn how to integrate inclusion into business models and develop digital literacy to support the creation, management and marketing of businesses. In addition, they will leave with a business model and a clear plan for the next steps, including financing and pitching their ideas.
Following the workshops, mentoring sessions will continue until the completion of the project, further enhancing the employability and professional development of the young people, while also enhancing their resilience, growth mindset and socio-emotional skills.
The Joint Activities will involve young men and women from all partner countries in collaborative training sessions, visits to successful green and social enterprises, mentoring sessions and workshops. During the Joint Activities, young people will try to collaborate in the multicultural environment and better understand the economic and business context in all countries, with particular reference to the green and social economy. They will collectively explore how global developments and EU policies affect the local level and vice versa, while understanding their role and potential as EU citizens.
Project budget: €120,000
Project duration: 24 months
