Energy Democracy – Promoting Energy Active Citizenship in young people’s living environments (E-DEM)

The motivation for E‐DEM lies in the growing urgency of the energy transition, the rising costs of living, and the need to strengthen democratic participation at a time when many young people feel disconnected from institutions and decision‐making processes. Energy poverty, climate anxiety and socio‐economic precarity are realities for an increasing number of young people, lowering their trust in political systems and reducing opportunities for active engagement. At the same time, energy democracy, a concept that emphasises fairness, participation and community ownership, has gained importance in policy and academic contexts but remains largely absent in youth work.

This project aims to fill that gap by translating the principles of energy democracy into youth‐friendly and empowering formats. Through a mix of practical workshops, creative approaches and direct exchanges with decision makers, the project offers young people meaningful opportunities to develop new skills, contribute ideas, and find their own role in shaping Europe’s energy future. The project should be funded because it connects urgent societal needs—climate action, social justice, participation and equity—with a group that is central to Europe’s long‐term resilience: young people.

By empowering youth to become active energy citizens and enabling youth workers to act as multipliers, the project strengthens civic engagement at a time when volunteering is declining and democratic participation is under pressure. It
also establishes new bridges between environmental sustainability, local communities and youth empowerment-an intersection that is essential for addressing Europe’s most pressing challenges.