Harmony for Europe: civic engagement and EU values through Erasmus+ – from common values to concrete actions in a living democracy
Main Info
TCA Description
Europe is moving through a period of rapid change, where democratic participation, shared values and preparedness are more important than ever. The Flemish National Agency for Erasmus+ in education, training and sport (BE02) is bringing together professionals and Erasmus+ newcomers for an energizing transnational contact seminar focused on European values and democratic involvement. This activity is part of the LTA PEACE+, coordinated by Italy.
The seminar will offer a balanced mix of theoretical insights and practical, hands-on learning moments, supported by concrete project examples. Participants will reflect on how civic engagement and core EU values can be translated into meaningful educational practices and learner involvement within a living democracy. In addition, the seminar will provide an accessible overview of the Erasmus+ Programme, with specific guidance on project set-up. Participants will be encouraged to develop ideas for their own project implementation that promote an inclusive, value-driven Europe.These initial concepts will be further elaborated collaboratively through group work, allowing participants to transform shared European values into concrete actions within future Erasmus+ projects.
To make the experience even more memorable, the program includes a live performance by the Erasmus Orchestra, a powerful celebration of cultural diversity, unity and the creative spirit of Europe. Their performance will highlight the emotional and cultural dimension of the Erasmus+ community and add an inspiring artistic touch to the seminar.
Enhanced knowledge and understanding
- Participants gain a stronger understanding of civic engagement and core EU values.
- Participants understand how EU values can be translated into educational practices and meaningful learner involvement.
Improved practical skills
- Participants acquire practical methods and tools to promote civic engagement in their educational contexts.
- They learn how to apply theory in practice through concrete project examples.
In-depth reflection on teaching practices
- Participants engage in structured reflection and identify ways to strengthen democratic participation in their own practices.
- They become more aware of how to cultivate a living democracy within their institutions.
Increased knowledge about Erasmus+
- Participants obtain a clear and accessible overview of the Erasmus+ Programme.
- They understand the basic steps and requirements for setting up an Erasmus+ project.
Development of initial project ideas
- Participants develop initial concepts for their own Erasmus+ projects focused on democratic participation and European values.
- These ideas are further developed through collaborative group work, resulting in more structured project outlines.
Strengthened cooperation and networking
- Participants build new international contacts and identify potential partners for future Erasmus+ initiatives.
- Collaborative group activities help create foundations for future cross-border cooperation.
Ability to translate values into action
- Participants are able to translate shared European values into concrete actions within upcoming Erasmus+ projects.
- This results in realistic and actionable plans that promote an inclusive, value-driven Europe
The seminar will take place in Leuven. The national agency BE02 will cover accommodation for 3 nights from September 8th -11th, 2026. Any additional nights need to be covered by the participants.
The programme starts on Tuesday, 8th of September, at 16:30 and ends on Friday 11th of September at 13:00. The Erasmus Orchestra concert is scheduled on Thursday 10th of September in the evening.
The format of this seminar invites to active participation, so participants should be prepared to contribute and participate in discussions in English.
We expect all participants to participate in the full programme. If they exceptionally need to leave before the programme is finished, this should be approved by the Flemish NA prior to participation.
Partners and participants
This TCA is open for representatives from all education and training sectors: school education, vocational education and training, adult education and higher education – preferably newcomers in Erasmus+ and potential applicants, with strong interest in democratic participation, civic engagement and EU values. It’s important having very good knowledge of English (at least B.2).
Pending booked places
Accepted places
TCA Participant Application
Long-term Activity Info
The new edition of LTA PEACE+ (2025-2027) aims to expand the achievements of the first LTA PEACE initiative, reinforcing European identity and civic engagement through an integrated network of Erasmus Alumni, Ambassadors, and Role Models. The key objectives include:
Strengthening cooperation between Erasmus+ National Agencies to broaden participation and outreach.
Enhancing communication and dissemination efforts to engage a larger number of stakeholders and citizens.
Providing structured training on EU values and European citizenship education.
Continuing research on civic engagement to better target messages and content.
Increasing synergies between different European programs to foster mobility and civic participation.
Expansion of Networks
The initiative seeks to:
Unify and expand networks of Erasmus+ Ambassadors, Alumni, and Role Models across multiple countries to foster a deeper sense of European belonging.
Strengthen partnerships with institutions at local, national, and international levels to promote civic engagement.
Develop a robust governance structure that ensures sustainability and impact measurement through national Observatories.
Institutional Collaboration and Measurement
Establish stable relationships with territorial institutions for sustained collaboration.
Implement tools to periodically assess improvements in civic engagement, internationalization, social inclusion, and digital transition.
Event Planning and Outreach
Define a recurring program of events at the national and international levels, here follow a draft calendar:
PEACE+ Kick-off Meeting (February 2025, Florence, Italy - INDIRE)
PEACE (April 9-11, 2025, Cluj-Napoca, Romania)
EU Values and Participation (October 2025, Riga, Latvia)
TCA for Kindergarten Teachers (October 2025, Tallinn, Estonia)
TBD Event (October 2025, Greece)
TBD Event (November 2025, Germany)
TBD Event (2026, Vienna, Austria)
TBD Event (2026, INAPP, Italy)
- Organize multi-country meetings where Alumni and Ambassadors collaborate in outreach activities with students and teachers.
- Enhance the impact of Erasmus+ initiatives through coordinated communication strategies.
Planned activities divided for Work Packages (WPs)
WP1 - Governance
Coordination and strategic oversight of PEACE+ activities.
Establishment of a Board of Directors and an Operational Board.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among National Agencies.
Monitoring progress and impact measurement through key performance indicators.
WP2 - Networks
Strengthening and expanding Alumni and Ambassador networks across Europe.
Formalizing agreements with established Erasmus+ networks (e.g., ESN, Erasmus Garage).
Developing IT tools for efficient network management.
Creating structured methodologies for selecting and engaging network members.
WP3 - Training
Developing training modules on European values, civic engagement, and political literacy.
Producing digital learning materials, including e-modules and interactive resources.
Facilitating knowledge exchange through structured online and in-person training events.
Creating an open-access training platform to support Erasmus+ beneficiaries and the general public.
WP4 - Communication
Designing and implementing a comprehensive communication plan.
Producing promotional materials, reports, videos, and case studies to highlight Erasmus+ impact.
Conducting targeted outreach campaigns at the national and European levels.
Engaging media and stakeholders in dialogue on civic participation and European citizenship.
WP5 - Research
Conducting studies on key themes such as political engagement, social inclusion, and EU citizenship.
Collaborating with academic institutions to develop research reports.
Integrating findings into policy recommendations and future Erasmus+ initiatives.
Organizing international conferences to disseminate research outcomes.
Strengthened and expanded networks of Erasmus+ Alumni, Ambassadors, and Role Models.
Increased public awareness and participation in European civic engagement initiatives.
Greater synergy between Erasmus+ programs and other EU-funded initiatives.
Enhanced training opportunities to promote EU values and citizenship education.
A data-driven approach to measuring the impact of Erasmus+ on civic engagement.