Youth and European Integration: Perspective for the Future of Bulgaria and Europe

This article is created for the project “Efivos in Europe”

Authors: Yoan Danchov and Julia Yosifova

“The mission of the younger generation is to turn the citizens of the Single Market into convinced Europeans. Young people are a resource, not a problem. The main task of youth work is to create opportunities for young people themselves to build their own future.”

Peter Lauritsen (1942 – 2007) – longtime director of the European Youth Center of the Council of Europe

European integration is a key part of Bulgaria’s political, economic, and cultural life. For us, young people, this topic has an immense significance as it shapes the future of the country and our personal professional growth.

In this article, we will explore how young people perceive the process of European integration and what it means for our future. For young Bulgarians, European integration is the opportunity for a better standard of living, educational opportunities, employment, and career development. In the process of Euro-integration, young people are engaged in various projects and initiatives that promote European cooperation and mobility.

Several studies show that young Bulgarians are optimistic about European integration, seeing it as an opportunity for personal and professional development. They are active in various programs of the European Union, such as Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, and others, that provide them with opportunities for intercultural exchange and acquiring new skills.

Youth organizations also play an important role in the process of European integration by promoting dialogue and youth participation in political and social processes. They organize various trainings, seminars, and campaigns to increase young people’s awareness of European structures and the opportunities they offer. However, there are also some challenges that young people in Bulgaria face – unemployment, economic insecurity, and migration. Therefore, it is important for political institutions to continue supporting youth initiatives and to engage in protecting the interests of the younger generation in the process of European integration.

Their voice and participation are crucial for the democratic process and the future of Bulgaria in Europe and the world. The formation of political and social processes in Bulgaria to some extent depends on youth activism and engagement. Moreover, they ensure that the interests and needs of young people are taken into account in all decisions related to European integration. Overall, it is important to encourage the participation of young people in political life to ensure sustainable development and progress for the entire society.

For the EU, youth participation in democratic life is of paramount importance, which is why it supports their social and civic engagement. The EU’s Youth Strategy, which focuses on three main pillars – engagement, connection, and empowerment – is evidence of this.

In addition to EU programs and initiatives, young Bulgarians are actively involved in public debates and democratic processes that shape the country’s political landscape.

The voice of young people is important because it is the future of both Bulgaria and Europe.

The article was created as part of the CERV Efivos project in Europe. EFIVOS II program is funded by the European Commission (CERV), with partners Network Children’s Rights (Greece), CIP (Cyprus), HESED (Bulgaria), GEYC (Romania), Dedalus (Italy), Pacto Verde (Spain), Crossing Borders (Denmark).

The support of the European Commission for the preparation of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the content. The publication reflects only the views of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained therein.