Date and place: 23 February 2024 – Pernik & 11 March 2024 – Vratsa, Bulgaria
Two workshops for youngsters were organised in cooperation with the Youth Centre Pernik – a coal dependent region and the Youth Centre Vratsa with the aim to promote active citizens participation, mobilize first time voters during the European elections and raise awareness of the EGD goals.
The events started with an introduction to the topic of EU structures and the Citizens’ Observatory on Green Deal Financing project. The activity itself was a role play game where players took a seat at the European Parliament randomly allocated to a country and political group. They debated in political groups and commissions on a new proposal for food labeling based on its environmental footprint. Participants went through the process of decision making and could improve their understanding of the role of EU institutions and thematically how EU citizens can be better informed about their food choice through EU laws.
After the simulation, the participants shared that they improved their knowledge in how European institutions work, are more cautious of the daily choices they make and their environmental footprint and have also improved their soft skills in public speaking, negotiating and decision making. There was also a multiplier effect as several youth workers got acquainted with the game and can facilitate it from now on.
Both events were attended by a total of 40 first time voters, all coming from Bulgaria.
