Democracy Under Pressure

Understanding democracy, challenging perspectives, shaping active citizens.

“Democracy Under Pressure” was an Erasmus+ Training Course held in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, between 20–28 January 2026, bringing together youth workers from Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Turkey to explore the challenges facing modern democratic systems. The project began with a strong focus on team building, trust, and creating a safe space for dialogue, laying the foundation for addressing complex and sensitive topics throughout the week. Participants engaged in a wide range of non-formal education activities focused on misinformation, fake news, artificial intelligence, corruption, political expression, and media influence. Through interactive methods such as headline verification games, AI detection exercises, Oxford-style debates, and analysis of political speeches, participants critically examined how information is shaped and manipulated in today’s digital world. A key highlight of the programme was the study visit to Plovdiv, where participants explored the historical evolution of political systems, reflecting on how democracy is shaped by centuries of political change and cultural influence. The training course placed a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with participants designing and implementing their own workshops based on real political events from their countries. These included theatre-based simulations on corruption and justice, historical role-plays, and workshops on political scandals and radicalization. One of the most impactful activities was the large-scale political simulation game, where participants took on roles such as politicians, journalists, and voters, experiencing firsthand how power dynamics, media influence, and corruption can emerge in democratic systems. Cultural exchange was also an essential part of the experience, with evenings dedicated to intercultural activities, traditional games, dances, and presentations, strengthening connections and mutual understanding. The project concluded with in-depth reflection sessions, the Youthpass ceremony, and emotional closing moments, marking the end of an intense and transformative learning journey.

Throughout the training course, participants developed key competences such as critical thinking, media literacy, active citizenship, communication, and teamwork. By engaging in simulations, debates, and hands-on workshops, youth workers strengthened their ability to analyze political narratives, identify misinformation, and facilitate meaningful discussions with young people. The experience also enhanced their creativity and capacity to design educational tools on complex political topics, equipping them with practical methods to support democratic participation and informed decision-making in their future youth work.