The Participatory EU Enlargement (PEN) project focuses on one of the most significant
challenges facing the European Union in the coming years: the EU enlargement process. Its
main objective is to strengthen citizens’ engagement in discussions about the future of the EU
and to enable their active participation in shaping enlargement policies. The project aims to
foster dialogue between citizens of EU Member States, the Western Balkans, and Ukraine,
while also enhancing cooperation among civil society organizations, experts, and policymakers.
The project will implement a range of innovative and participatory methods, including
workshops, trainings, simulations, youth dialogues, and NGO forums. Particular emphasis is
placed on youth engagement and the development of civic competences that support informed
and active participation in democratic processes. The initiative will also deliver tangible
outputs, such as policy recommendations, expert reports, participatory toolkits, and
educational materials that can support future work on EU enlargement.
The project is carried out by an international consortium of organizations from Poland,
Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans, enabling the exchange of diverse
perspectives and experiences. More than 900 participants across Europe will be directly
involved in project activities. A key component of the project is also the promotion of core
EU values, including democracy, equality, human rights, and non-discrimination. Through
extensive communication and dissemination efforts, the project’s results are expected to reach
a broad audience across Europe.
Project results
• Report on citizens’ preferred forms of participation in the EU enlargement process
• “Training of trainers” guide supporting educational and participatory activities
• Citizen participatory toolkit for organizations and institutions
• Expert policy recommendations addressing key EU enlargement challenges
• Report on NGO strategies in the context of EU enlargement
• Youth vision statement including recommendations for EU policymakers
• Strengthened civic competences and increased engagement of over 900 participants
• Strengthened international cooperation and exchange of experience among partner
organizations
Project partners
• The European Institute Foundation (Eif) – Coordinator
• Pillar Alapitvany (Hungary)
• Rbf – The Remembrance Forum E.V. (Germany)
• State University Of Trade And Economics (Ukraine)
• Instituti Per Kontraten Shoqerore (Albania)
• Novi Horizont (Montenegro)
• Youth Initiative For Human Rights (Kosovo)
• Iuventa Nevladina Organizacija Udruzenje (Serbia)
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project number: 101252437
Start date: 01.01.2026
End date: 30.06.2027