Reference Number: 101147847

Project Overview

The Bridging Borders (BB) project is a 24-month initiative engaging young EU citizens and residents aged 16 to 30 in a multi-stage awareness campaign. The project focuses particularly on voters and third-country nationals to strengthen solidarity within the EU, counteract polarization, and promote social inclusion.

The project is implemented in 10 EU countries: Italy, Malta, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, and Greece. A special emphasis is placed on the social integration of young people with migrant backgrounds.

Through a series of events, the project aims to:

✅ Strengthen solidarity mechanisms
✅ Enhance cooperation between civil society organizations (CSOs) and public institutions
✅ Encourage active youth participation

The BB project aims to directly reach at least 1,800 participants and indirectly engage 5,500 more. Additionally, 200 key stakeholders from CSOs, public authorities, and youth organizations will be involved in discussions on solidarity mechanisms.

Participating Countries and Organizations

🇮🇹 Per Esempio (Italy) – Lead applicant, specialized in social cohesion and community development.
🇩🇪 ARSU Academy (Germany) – Active in education, research, and cultural development, with a focus on young people.
🇮🇹 Mediterranea Saving Humans (Italy) – Search and rescue operations and humanitarian missions for vulnerable people.
🇫🇷 Elan Interculturel (France) – Promoting intercultural communication and collaboration.
🇲🇹 TAMA (Malta) – Supporting migrants, especially survivors of gender-based violence.
🇮🇪 Redial (Ireland) – Advancing social inclusion and civic engagement.
🇬🇷 KMOP (Greece) – Research and initiatives addressing social challenges and mutual understanding.
🇭🇺 Artemisszió Foundation (Hungary) – Inclusion through education, creative arts, and cultural projects.
🇵🇹 Aproximar (Portugal) – Promoting social innovation and capacity building.
🇪🇸 GRIGRI (Spain) – Research and development of practical solutions for fostering solidarity.

🇧🇪 Cinemaximiliaan (Belgium) – Integration through visual arts and cultural exchange.

Project Goals and Focus Areas

The BB project acknowledges the challenges arising from the arrival of refugees and irregular migrants in the EU. It aims to strengthen solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility to address these challenges.

Main Objectives:

✔ Promoting solidarity in the context of migration – Enhancing societal responsibility.
✔ Analyzing existing solidarity mechanisms in the EU – Identifying areas for improvement.
✔ Capacity building and collaboration – Strengthening cooperation between CSOs and public institutions.

ARSU Academy’s Role and Responsibilities

The ARSU Academy (Germany) leads Work Package 1 (WP1), which will be implemented within the first three months of the project. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of solidarity mechanisms in the EU, particularly regarding the role of young people in promoting inclusion and integration.

Key Tasks of ARSU Academy:

📌 Project Coordination – Planning, monitoring, and communication with partners to ensure project objectives are met.
📌 Organizing a Central Event in Berlin – Hosting workshops, discussions, and activities with 76–100 participants from 10–12 EU countries.
📌 Promoting Solidarity and Inclusion – Developing best practices for the integration of migrants and socially disadvantaged groups.
📌 Dissemination & Evaluation – Creating informational materials, documentation, and social media campaigns.
📌 Alignment with EU Policies – Following Recommendation 10 of the European Citizens’ Panel to strengthen solidarity and the rule of law in the EU.

This project contributes to building a stronger, more inclusive Europe by fostering intercultural dialogue, civic engagement, and collaboration across borders. Through the Bridging Borders project, young people play a crucial role in shaping a more united and cohesive European society.

Child Protection Policy of ARSU Academy 👶🔒

The Child Protection Policy of ARSU Academy is based on clear guidelines, principles, and procedures to safeguard the rights of minors. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in our programs. This policy ensures that children’s rights are upheld and that all staff, partners, and volunteers adhere to the highest child protection standards.

Core Principles

✅ Respect for Children's Rights – Protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
✅ Zero-Tolerance Policy – No room for abuse or inappropriate behavior.
✅ Promotion of a Safe Environment – A protected space for children and young people.
✅ Accountability & Transparency – All stakeholders must comply with child protection guidelines.

Policies and Procedures

📌 Preventive Training – All staff undergo training to identify risks at an early stage.
📌 Code of Conduct – Clear guidelines on appropriate behavior to ensure respectful interactions.
📌 Reporting System – Secure procedures for reporting and investigating incidents.
📌 Trusted Contacts – Specially trained personnel available for children, parents, and staff.

ARSU Academy's Commitment

The ARSU Academy regularly reviews its child protection policies to ensure the highest safety standards. Children are our future, and their protection is our top priority! We are actively committed to fostering an environment that promotes personal development and well-being.



📥 Click the link below to download the ARSU Academy Child Protection Policy.

Berlin Meeting: Understanding Migration, European Solidarity & Recommendation 10

📅 Date: November 30, 2024 – December 1, 2024
🎟 Type: Two-day Workshop / Awareness Event (In-person)

Event Description

The event focused on the rule of law, democratic backsliding, European solidarity, and migration policy, particularly in relation to Recommendation 10. Discussions addressed proposed changes to European legal mechanisms and their impact on migration policies. European solidarity was emphasized as a key factor in addressing multinational challenges.

The format included presentations, lectures, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and cultural events. The event brought together politicians, members of parliament, journalists, academics, and individuals with migration experiences. The meeting concluded with a ceremonial certificate presentation.

Key Topics & Activities

1️⃣ Opening Ceremony & Introduction
🔹 Presentation of ARSU Academy and the Bridging Borders Project

2️⃣ Panel Discussions
🔹 Foundations of European Solidarity & The Role of Youth
🔹 Understanding Migration Routes & Promoting European Solidarity

3️⃣ Workshops
🔹 Building Empathy Across Borders (Focus on Migration)
🔹 The Role of Youth in European Solidarity
🔹 Developing Solidarity Initiatives in Youth Leadership

4️⃣ Cultural Events
🔹 European Culture Night

5️⃣ Political Discussion
🔹 EU Migration Policy After the Arab Spring

6️⃣ Closing Ceremony
🔹 Certificate Awarding Ceremony

Feedback & Outcomes

💬 Participants rated the event highly positive. The most valued aspects included:
✔ Engaging discussions with experts and like-minded individuals.
✔ Networking opportunities with key stakeholders from politics, academia, and civil society.
✔ Participation certificate, officially recognizing their engagement.

The event significantly contributed to raising awareness about migration and solidarity issues in the EU, fostering a deeper understanding of political mechanisms and their impact.

🔹 This event marks a major step in strengthening youth initiatives and promoting European solidarity, aligning with the ARSU Academy's mission for lifelong learning and community development.

Videos of the 'BRIDGING BORDERS' Project – Event in Berlin, Germany 🎥

Get exclusive insights into the discussions on migration, European solidarity & Recommendation 10 during the event in Berlin. Watch as experts, politicians, and engaged citizens debate the challenges and opportunities within the EU.

📌 Experience the key moments from:

🔹 Panel discussions on migration policy and European solidarity
🔹 Workshops and interactive sessions with young participants
🔹 Interviews with experts and affected individuals



🔽 Click the buttons below to watch the videos from the event in Berlin: