Author name: EILD Office

The European Commission has launched the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030, setting a renewed and ambitious framework to ensure that equality between women and men is not treated as a standalone issue, but as a core principle across all areas of policy and daily life. From sport and education to employment and digital participation, the […]

In the past decade, social media has redefined civic engagement across the globe. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have given ordinary citizens unprecedented power to share information, organize movements, and hold leaders accountable in real time. What once required access to traditional media or political structures can now be achieved with

“Dialogue is often the first step toward meaningful change.” Dialogue is one of the most important starting points for cooperation and development. Across Europe, communities, organisations, institutions, and citizens face many shared challenges, from social inclusion and digital transformation to sustainability, education, and democratic participation. While these issues may appear differently from one place to

Generative AI Becomes Part of Everyday Life Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of daily life across Europe. According to new Eurostat data, 32.7% of people aged 16 to 74 in the EU used generative AI tools in 2025. Most people used these tools for personal purposes, while a growing share also used them for

Young people are not absent — they are unconvinced Young people across Europe are often described as politically disengaged. But the picture is more nuanced. Recent EU findings show that 64% of young people participated in the activities of an organisation in the past 12 months, while 48% said they had taken action to change

Democracy Beyond Institutions Strengthening democracy in the European Union is not only about institutions and policies. It is also about creating opportunities for people to participate, collaborate, and feel included in the decisions that shape their communities and their future. EILD’s Contribution to Democratic Participation In this context, the European Institute for Local Development (EILD)

Recent Eurostat data show that unemployment in the European Union continues to decline, reaching 5.8% in early 2026, compared with 5.9% in late 2025 and 6.0% one year earlier. Despite this improvement, unemployment still affects millions of people across Europe, while youth unemployment and regional disparities remain significant challenges. The Role of European Programmes European

As we step into 2026, European Institute for Local Development (EILD) accelerates its mission to shape resilient, inclusive communities through smart policy, digital transformation, and evidence-based practice. This year marks a strategic inflection point where ambition meets execution — and where our ecosystem partnerships become the engine for sustainable impact at scale. 2026 is not

Insights from Eurostat and EILD’s Commitment Through Upcoming Erasmus+ Projects The latest Eurostat data for 2024 reveals a concerning picture: 11.1% of young people in the European Union (aged 15–29) are classified as NEET — neither in employment, education nor training. This figure represents more than a statistic; it highlights a structural challenge affecting Europe’s

Did you know that 9.3% of young people across the European Union leave school early — with rates significantly higher in rural areas? While the EU has made progress in reducing early school leaving over the past decade, rural communities continue to face persistent challenges that hinder equal access to education. These disparities have a