Democracy Camp 2026 - Bulgaria

Overview

The Democracy Camp is a five-day intercultural youth exchange on democracy, media and inclusion. As such, its main aims are to inform young Europeans about their role in our democratic society and directly involve them in the policy-making process of the EU through the creation and dissemination of the Youth Participation Handbook.

How does Democracy Camp Bulgaria work?

The Camp connects over 70 young people, aged 16 to 26 years old, residing in either Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Romania, or Ukraine. 

From 26 to 30 August, we will explore two guiding questions: 

1. What participation tools are available to me? 
2. And how can I use these tools to foster an inclusive and fair media future in Europe?

To answer these questions, we will identify a wide variety of democratic best practices related to media and inclusion not only in Bulgaria, but on an international scale. In addition, we will help advance your skills and competences relevant to political participation and running successful projects in the future.
The main output of the Democracy Camp will be the Youth Participation Handbook 2026. It is co-authored by participants of the Camp, outlining ideas, insights and knowledge, as well as a practical guide for youth participation and recommendations for policymakers to improve the current state of youth participation in Europe.

What activities will we engage in?

1. Digital kick-off (28 July, Tuesday at 18:00 CEST): Here, we collect your ideas for topics, methods and anything else that's important to you regarding the organisation of the Camp. And of course, you’ll get to know each other and the partner organisations!   
2. The Democracy Camp from 26 to 30 August: In Bulgaria, we’ll explore democracy and citizen participation in all countries represented. We’ll discuss concrete instruments, campaigns, and broaden skills relevant for effective participation. The Camp programme involves visits to the Bulgarian parliament and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arbanassi.
3. After the Camp: We’ll publish our ideas for improved youth participation and promising tools to foster a democratic and inclusive Europe in the Youth Participation Handbook 2026. We’ll then send the Handbook to decision-makers across Europe, including Members of the European Parliament, to help bridge the gap between the EU and young people. 

Are you interested in becoming a part of Democracy Camp Bulgaria?

Register to join your country delegation and meet the other young European citizens in Bulgaria from 26 to 30 August.

Who can join Democracy Camp Bulgaria?

Participation in the Democracy Camp is free of charge for all young people. The organisers cover all costs, including your travel to and from Bulgaria up to 250€ for all foreign participants and up to 100€ for all participants coming from Bulgaria. 

There are only a few criteria: 

1. You must be between 16 and 26 years of age.
2. You feel comfortable enough to speak English for five days.
3. You are currently living in either Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Romania, and Ukraine.
4. If you are a minor, you’ll need the signature of your parents and you will always be accompanied by an adult.

We want our Camp to include as many diverse voices as possible, so applications from youth with fewer opportunities are given preference. 

Please note that, at this stage, we are still developing some aspects of the programme, so more information will be uploaded throughout the following weeks on this webpage. Stay tuned to learn more about Democracy Camp Bulgaria!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us: Alexandra at nadal@democracy-international.org or Zdravko at kostadinov@democracy-international.org