From 11 to 15 March 2026, more than 20 young people from over 20 European countries gathered in Rotterdam for CLIMDM (Climate & Democracy). The five-day training was very well organised by JEF Europe and led by Nea-Maria Törmänen, Vice President of JEF Europe, together with our trainers Agata Meysner (Co-Founder) and Julian Gassner (Advocacy) from Generation Climate Europe, who provided valuable insights throughout the programme.

At the centre of the programme was one key political question: Can a more integrated, federal Europe respond more effectively to the climate crisis while also strengthening democratic participation?

The training combined input sessions, workshops, group work, and debate simulations on topics such as European and international climate governance, democratic tools, youth participation, and political advocacy. Throughout the programme, it became clear that the climate crisis cannot be viewed in isolation. It is closely linked to questions of democracy, political capacity, and Europe’s role in an increasingly uncertain world.

A particular highlight was the visit to The Hague, where, through the EEAC Network and at the Council for the Environment and Infrastructure (RLI), we gained insight into how climate- and democracy-related ideas can be brought closer to political decision-making. The programme was further enriched by contributions from different networks and organisations, including Generation Climate Europe, CEJA, and WYCJ, which added perspectives from civil society, youth engagement, and agricultural policy and the effects of the climate crisis.

Beyond the formal sessions, CLIMDM also created space to further develop our own projects and ideas, exchange experiences, and build new European connections. This interdisciplinary and international exchange showed the strong potential of a young and engaged European civil society.

ClimDM made one thing clear: tackling the climate crisis requires more than technical solutions. It requires democratic participation, political cooperation, and a Europe that is capable of acting together. That was precisely the strength of these five days in Rotterdam.