CEGE Association - Erasmus+ – Gen Z in Action: From Participation to Initiative

Erasmus+ – Gen Z in Action: From Participation to Initiative

01/05/2026

On 26 April 2026, young people, youth workers, and organizations gathered in Sofia for the event “Erasmus+ – Gen Z in Action”, organized by the CEGE Association in collaboration with VALUEME.

The event brought together motivated participants interested not only in international opportunities but in understanding how to actively shape them.

From Participants to Initiators

In many cases, young people approach programmes like Erasmus+ as participants — joining exchanges, trainings, or activities.

But an important shift is happening.

More and more, the focus is moving towards young people as creators, organizers, and drivers of initiatives.

During the event, participants explored where and how they can find opportunities not just to join projects, but to take initiative and build meaningful ones themselves.

This perspective opened a broader understanding of Erasmus+ — not only as a programme, but as a platform for active engagement and ownership.

Beyond Experience: The Value of Skills

At the same time, the discussion went deeper into what stands behind these experiences.

Erasmus+ is often associated with travel and new environments, but its real impact lies in the development of competences that matter in everyday life.

Together with ValueMe, the conversation focused on skills such as adaptability, communication, initiative, and self-awareness — and why they are becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing world.

Participants reflected on a key challenge:

How do we recognize the skills we gain?
How do we communicate them clearly?
And how do we turn them into real value?

These questions are central to the transition from experience to growth.

Learning Through Exchange

The event created space for open discussion, reflection, and connection.

Participants shared personal experiences from Erasmus+ projects, explored different perspectives, and engaged in conversations that went beyond surface-level understanding.

The interactive format encouraged:

exchange of ideas and practices
reflection on personal development
building connections and future collaborations

The diversity of backgrounds added depth to the discussions and highlighted the importance of learning through interaction.

A Different Kind of Mindset

“Erasmus+ – Gen Z in Action” was not just about presenting opportunities.

It was about a mindset shift.

From joining to creating.
From experiencing to understanding.
From participation to intentional growth.

This shift is becoming increasingly important for young people navigating education, work, and personal development today.

What Participants Take With Them

From the event, participants gained:

understanding of how to access and create Erasmus+ opportunities
awareness of their own skills and competences
practical perspective on how to communicate and use these skills
new connections and potential partnerships

Looking Forward

Events like this reflect a broader change in youth work — one that encourages young people to take a more active role in shaping their own paths.

Erasmus+ is not only about mobility.
It is about initiative, responsibility, and growth.

“Erasmus+ – Gen Z in Action” is part of this ongoing process — one that supports young people in becoming not just participants, but active contributors to the world around them.