
All in: EAB goes CERV 2025 – Framework partners for the values of the EU
CERV - Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values. European Union funding programme for locally, regionally, nationally and transnationally active civil society organisations.
About CERV
The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme was launched by the European Commission in 2021 and will run for seven years (until 2027). The programme aims to develop and support open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies based on the rule of law. This includes a dynamic and empowered civil society, encouraging citizens to participate democratically, civically and socially, and nurturing the rich diversity of European society based on our shared values, history and experiences.
The programme is based on four pillars:
Equality, rights and gender equality
Promoting rights, non-discrimination and equality, including gender equality, and advancing gender mainstreaming and non-discrimination.
Civic participation and sharing
Promoting civic participation and sharing in the democratic life of the Union, as well as exchanges between citizens of different Member States and raising awareness of their common European history.
Daphne (prevention of violence)
Combating violence, including gender-based violence and violence against children.
Union values
Protecting and promoting the values of the Union.
Since 2022, the Europäische Akademie Berlin has been a framework partner of the CERV programme in the area of the Union’s values. This cooperation is the foundation for the implementation of more projects in the coming years that are directly aimed at Europe’s citizens and help to make Europe and the EU tangible.
Activities
The activities of the EAB follow three different focal points: Informing, empowering and engaging citizens and stakeholders. Each area covers relevant EU policies and/or values and addresses them in a way that enables citizens to form their own judgements, express their opinions and participate in democratic life.
Inform
Making European Values and Integration Understandable
As part of Activity Strand I – Inform (WP 2), we aim to raise awareness of common European values and rights. We provide in-depth knowledge about the European integration process, current challenges, and developments. Through continuous and clear information, as well as discussions with experts, we bring citizens closer to the European Union and create an open space for dialogue on pressing issues of our time.
Empower
Strengthening Engagement and Participation in Europe
As part of Activity Strand II – Empower (WP 3), we support individuals from diverse backgrounds in becoming active members of European societies. Through capacity-building activities such as media literacy, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving, we provide the tools needed for active participation. Networking opportunities and direct exchanges allow participants to share their perspectives and make their voices heard. Our goal is to foster a stronger sense of identification with the European project and community.
Engage
Encouraging Civic Engagement and Action Across Europe
As part of Activity Strand III – Engage (WP 4), we promote civic participation by empowering individuals and communities to turn their ideas and visions into concrete actions at both local and European levels. We place a special focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, ensuring that their needs and aspirations for Europe are heard and recognized. By combining empowerment with active engagement, we contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive, and united Europe.
Our goal with CERV is clear: we want to inform, empower and promote active engagement for and with Europe. To this end, twelve activities have been designed that are dedicated to these three main strands. For example, partners and participants from over 21 European countries will be brought together directly in workshops, expert panels and at trade fairs, thus making Europe a practical experience. In addition, digital and innovative handbooks, toolkits, etc. will be created that can be used in the long term and contribute to the further dissemination of European values.
Inform
Exchange (Wortwechsel)
Exchange is a year-long project aimed at fostering international media dialogue by bringing together journalists, media activists, and policymakers for one-day seminars across Europe. Covering pressing topics such as migration, climate change, energy solidarity, and the EU’s political future, these multilingual events encourage a multi-perspective discussion on European issues.
Each seminar includes interactive public debates, using dynamic formats like fishbowl discussions, town hall meetings, and digital tools to engage participants. The project also works to counter disinformation, promote nuanced media reporting, and strengthen cross-border cooperation in journalism. If necessary, events can be adapted into bilingual online briefings to ensure broad accessibility.
Europe behind the Headlines
Europe Behind the Headlines brings political discussions directly to the public, offering live-streamed and recorded panel debates on key EU topics. Featuring policymakers, experts, and citizens, these discussions provide engaging and reliable insights into pressing European political and societal developments.
With partnerships including rbb Inforadio, Deutschlandfunk, and Radio Spaetkauf, the project ensures wide accessibility through radio, podcasts, and social media. Discussions will address topics such as the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the US election aftermath, and new EU policies—placing national perspectives in a broader European context.
Designed to reach both politically engaged citizens and those indifferent to EU affairs, the project fosters constructive, inclusive, and multi-perspective debates that strengthen public understanding of European politics.
Europe on Track
Europe on Track is an innovative exchange format that brings together citizens, young Europeans, political decision-makers, activists, and multipliers to engage in transnational dialogue through travel across Europe. By visiting different regions, participants experience democracy in practice, gaining insights into its diverse implementations and challenges.
The 2025 edition focuses on „Inclusion – Challenging Utopia,“ examining equity, diversity, and representation in democratic processes. Through interactive discussions and real-world observations, the project encourages participants to critically reflect on democratic ideals and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and equitable Europe.
Europe in the Classroom
The capacity-building program for educators and students offers a comprehensive approach to deepening the understanding of Europe, the EU, and the challenges shaping its future. Through teacher training sessions, participants gain expert insights into key European topics, explore innovative teaching methods, and discover new tools to enhance their educational practices. At the same time, student workshops focus on the future of Europe, encouraging young people to reflect on their visions, concerns, and hopes while exploring ways to actively participate in shaping the continent’s future.
A central component of the program is a transnational study trip to Berlin, where students from different countries come together to engage in discussions, workshops, and excursions tailored to their interests. Key themes such as the 2024 EU elections, the rise of populism, and the impact of the climate crisis provide a framework for learning and exchange. By fostering dialogue and shared experiences, the program empowers participants to become more informed and active European citizens, ready to contribute to a more democratic and sustainable future.
Empower
Europe is female
Europe is Female brings together young women (18–30) from across Europe to explore gender equality, share experiences, and develop creative expressions of their stories. The program specifically includes women from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who have faced discrimination, ensuring diverse perspectives in the conversation.
Through interactive workshops, participants engage in discussions on intersectionality, role models, safe(r) spaces, and community-building. Alongside these conversations, they translate their personal experiences into artistic expressions, which are later shared widely—both digitally and in public spaces—to amplify voices that are often unheard.
Newsroom Europe
Newsroom Europe brings together young Europeans from Germany, Poland, and Denmark to strengthen their media reporting skills and deepen their understanding of EU policymaking. In 2025, participants will focus on the priorities of the EU Council Presidencies, forming trinational editorial teams to cover key developments and political discussions.
Through hands-on training, they will gain insight into the functioning of the EU, learn investigative journalism techniques, and develop ethical reporting skills. EU officials will provide firsthand insights, helping participants analyze policy decisions and their impact. The teams will collaborate in a „Newsroom Europe“, where they will peer-review their articles and shape a multinational perspective on EU affairs.
Their work will be published on media platforms and social media, ensuring that their perspectives reach a broader audience. By amplifying youth voices in political reporting, Newsroom Europe fosters critical thinking, cross-border collaboration, and independent journalism for the next generation.
Europe against Racism
Europe Against Racism 2025 is a coordinated initiative that brings together municipalities, activists, policymakers, educators, and community groups to combat racism and promote inclusion. Through a series of workshops, public events, and a multimedia campaign, the project raises awareness, educates communities, and fosters cross-cultural exchange between twin city partners.
By providing spaces for discussion, collaboration, and action, the initiative empowers local stakeholders to develop effective anti-racism strategies and drive lasting change at both the local and European levels. Join us in building a more inclusive and united Europe!
Unboxing Y Europe
The Vision Workshop („Zukunftswerkstatt“) is a space for young people, women, and members of marginalized communities (BIPoC, LGBTQI+ etc.) to explore bold ideas for the future of Europe. In times of crisis, uncertainty, and rising political polarization, this workshop shifts the focus from challenges to visionary solutions.
Participants will discuss and design their own visions for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable Europe. Topics may include climate action, social justice, gender equality, and countering populism. Beyond discussions, they will gain practical tools to turn their ideas into action, ensuring they leave with the confidence and knowledge to drive change in their communities.
Engage
Reclaim
Reclaim is a European initiative designed to train and connect local women politicians and activists, equipping them with the skills, networks, and strategies needed to navigate political discourse and decision-making with confidence.
Through leadership and communication training, participants will learn how to effectively articulate their messages, combat gendered disinformation, and counter hate speech and online attacks, which disproportionately affect women in politics and activism.
The project fosters a supportive European network that empowers women to amplify their voices, strengthen their digital leadership skills, and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
European Gamechangers
Local Gamechangers connects trainers, young professionals, and multipliers through a European conference and a train-the-trainer seminar. The project fosters dialogue on key issues like EU elections, populism, and active citizenship, while equipping participants with tools for political education and inclusive engagement. Held in Berlin, the initiative encourages knowledge exchange, best-practice sharing, and the development of innovative strategies to strengthen democratic participation across Europe.
Climate X-Cross Borders
The Climate x Cross-Border project fosters public dialogue on climate change, emphasizing the need for joint action in developing sustainable solutions. Bringing together experts, professionals, and engaged citizens, the initiative explores innovative strategies for climate adaptation, sustainable development, and environmental resilience. Through workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will exchange knowledge, share best practices, and develop actionable recommendations. By bridging cross-border perspectives and strengthening local engagement, the project promotes inclusive and effective climate solutions for a sustainable future.
Young European Leaders
The Young European Leaders (YEL) program empowers young professionals from Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, and Belgium to actively engage in European decision-making. Through seminars, networking, and skills training, participants from diverse fields—including politics, media, civil society, and science—develop expertise in democracy, sustainability, and climate protection. The program’s three modules explore Europe’s key challenges, climate action, and sustainable development, using interactive methods such as co-creation sessions and simulation games. By fostering cross-border cooperation, YEL strengthens European leadership and collaboration for a more sustainable future.
Want to participate?
More than 4,000 participants are expected to take part in the projects, after which they can return to their own communities as multipliers and ambassadors for a strong and united Europe. The diverse activities underline the diversity and multi-layeredness of the people in Europe. The target groups of the various projects are therefore
- Citizens, especially women, people with migration or refugee backgrounds, people with multiple disadvantages, young people and people from rural areas.
- Stakeholders such as journalists and media professionals, politicians, multipliers, teachers, social workers and trainers.
Because we know: Only together can we create a strong Europe.
Partner
Adresse
Bismarckallee 46/48
14193 Berlin
Bus M19: Station Taubertstraße
Bus 186: Station Hagenplatz
S-Bahn Linie 7: Station Grunewald