Crafting Innovative Virtual Interactions for Civic Competences

CIVIC (Crafting Innovative Virtual Interactions for Civic Competences) aims to strengthen civic competences among young people in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project aligns with key European Union priorities for the region by:

• Supporting the EU integration process through the promotion of democratic values and civic competences highlighted in EU policy documents
• Strengthening the rule of law
• Fostering economic cooperation and social cohesion between EU Member States and the Western Balkans

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Through Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange methodologies, CIVIC promotes the development of civic competences while fostering digital citizenship, media literacy, intercultural dialogue, and active participation among young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities. In doing so, the project contributes to creating safer, more inclusive, and more resilient digital environments.

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The project also encourages joint initiatives involving young people from both EU Member States and the Western Balkans, promoting mutual understanding, cross-border cooperation, and shared responsibility in addressing common societal challenges.

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The CIVIC learning curriculum addresses key dimensions of civic competences, including:

• Understanding civic participation in the public sphere
• Recognizing the importance of the rule of law
• Promoting cooperation and social cohesion through economic partnerships
• Encouraging active engagement in democratic, social, and political processes
• Strengthening digital citizenship, critical thinking, media literacy, and intercultural dialogue in online environments

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Expected outputs:

• Increased understanding of active citizenship among participants
• Greater awareness of equality, inclusion, and democratic values among learners, educators, and higher education staff
• Improved skills in intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual respect
• Development and delivery of high-quality educational resources for online learning
• An innovative framework for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of Virtual Exchange activities

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The project primarily targets young people from EU Member States and the Western Balkans, with particular attention to NEETs, migrants, and other marginalised groups. It also supports youth organisations, educators, youth workers, and activists committed to promoting media literacy, digital citizenship, and social inclusion across borders.

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By bringing these stakeholders together, CIVIC strengthens cross-border cooperation and equips young people with the civic, digital, and intercultural competences needed to participate actively in democratic societies and contribute to the region’s long-term social cohesion and European integration.

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