Project launch
The EU project “GreenLink: Youth Empowerment for Sustainable European Cities” launched on 1 January 2026. Running for 18 months, the initiative brings together 11 cities from 10 EU countries to strengthen young people’s civic participation and promote cross-border cooperation.
What is the aim of the project?
The focus is on strengthening long-term local volunteer management that actively involves young people – particularly those with fewer opportunities (NEETs, members of ethnic or linguistic minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community) – in democratic life.
Practice rather than theory
Rather than addressing environmental or human rights issues purely in theory, the GreenLink project focuses on participatory engagement. Across Europe, over 100 young volunteers will be involved in community service activities for at least six months to organise major local events with a total of around 3,000 participants.
Cooperation
In the twin city on the River Oder, GreenLink is focused on bridging the historical and linguistic divide through joint commitment. The city of Frankfurt (Oder) acts as a project partner, whilst the municipality of Słubice is closely involved in the implementation as an associated partner.
As a project partner, pewobe gGmbH will play an active role. Our volunteers and members of the Kompetenzteam will provide targeted support for the planned activities.
Activities in the region are organised into two key work packages:
- “Life by the River – Ecology and Inclusion Across Borders – 5th Frankfurt-Słubice Citizens’ Picnic on Europe Day, 9 May 2026”:
Volunteers from Germany and Poland will jointly organise river clean-up campaigns, eco-workshops on biodiversity and sustainability, as well as public debates on youth participation in urban life. The aim is to view the Oder not as a border, but as a shared European space.
2. A project activity is also planned for 2027, which will be planned and carried out together with volunteers and young people.
