“LOCT-IN – Youth as Local Policy Auditors” is an Erasmus+ Youth Participation project that empowers young people to actively engage in local governance and democratic processes. Through participatory activities, policy observation labs, and structured dialogue with municipalities, young participants will analyse public services, inclusion practices, and accessibility of public spaces within their communities. The project promotes civic participation, policy literacy, and evidence-based youth advocacy while strengthening cooperation between youth organisations and local authorities across Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Croatia. Through local and transnational activities, LOCT-IN aims to create sustainable tools and recommendations that support more inclusive, transparent, and youth-friendly communities.

Start date: 01/06/2026 – End date: 30/11/2027
Project Reference: KA154-YOU-3F51C2E2
EU Grant: 55.108 €
Programme: Erasmus+ – Youth Participation Activities (KA154-YOU)

Project Partners

• Muoversi Assieme NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION – Italy (Applicant)
• INSTITOYTO KOINONIKIS KAINOTOMIAS KAI SYNOXIS – Greece
• SDRUZHENIE EVROPEYSKI PROEKTI V BALGARIA – Bulgaria
• Centar za mlade Dalj – Croatia

Project Topics

• Youth participation and democratic engagement
• Local governance and civic participation
• Social inclusion and accessibility
• Public services evaluation
• Youth policy and structured dialogue
• Active citizenship
• Community development and inclusion

Target Groups

• Young people aged 18–30/35
• Young people with fewer opportunities
• Youth from rural and small municipalities
• Students, young professionals, NEETs, and youth volunteers
• Municipal representatives and local stakeholders
• Youth organisations and civic actors

Project Objectives

• Strengthen youth participation in local democratic processes
• Increase youth understanding of municipal governance and public policies
• Promote evidence-based dialogue between young people and local authorities
• Develop youth competences in observation, reporting, and civic analysis
• Improve inclusion and accessibility of public services and public spaces
• Create transferable tools for youth participation and policy observation
• Foster long-term cooperation between municipalities and youth organisations

Abstract

LOCT-IN is an Erasmus+ Youth Participation project designed to empower young people as “Local Policy Auditors” who actively analyse inclusion practices, public services, and public spaces within their municipalities. Through local youth participation events, observation activities, workshops, and transnational mobilities, participants will strengthen their civic competences, policy literacy, and analytical skills while engaging directly with public authorities. The project combines youth participation with structured dialogue and evidence-based policy recommendations, aiming to promote transparency, accountability, and more inclusive local governance across partner countries.

Project Outcomes

• Four National Local Observation Reports
• LOCT-IN Observation Toolkit
• European Youth Policy Statement
• Increased youth participation in local governance
• Improved dialogue between municipalities and young people
• Enhanced policy literacy and civic competences among participants
• Stronger inclusion and accessibility awareness in local communities
• Sustainable youth participation methodologies transferable to future projects