Understanding Europe
Europe, let's talk!
Let's work together to strengthen digital and democratic resilience!
© Schwarzkopf Foundation - Arad Aramimoghaddam
New Publication: “Empowering Youth – Building Resilience: A New Era of Media Education”
At the beginning of 2026, a new publication was released as part of the cooperation between the Hans and Berthold Finkelstein Foundation and the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe.
Members of the European educational network Understanding Europe explore how youth‑led, inclusive, and rights‑based media education empowers young people to navigate and shape Europe’s digital public sphere critically and actively.
The publication combines practical learning examples with concrete educational methods that foster media literacy, critical thinking, and democratic participation. It highlights the essential role of media education in building more resilient, inclusive, and democratic digital societies.
To the English-language publication here.
In 2025, the Hans and Berthold Finkelstein Foundation collaborated with the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe. The European educational network ‘Understanding Europe’ by and for young people strengthens critical engagement with digital spaces as well as democratic and digital resilience across Europe.
The partnership focuses on peer-to-peer education in twelve European countries. This includes ‘Media Crash Courses’: practice-oriented workshops that address key topics such as fake news, hate speech, discriminatory media narratives, the influence of algorithms and digital rights.
© Schwarzkopf Foundation - Arad Aramimoghaddam
Workshops, training courses and publications for greater media literacy
The network conducted around 80 workshops and local and transnational training courses for trainers and summarised proven methods from educational work in a publication. Media literacy and civic awareness empower young Europeans to actively participate in a more just, inclusive and resilient democracy. The non-profit Hertie Foundation, with which the Finkelstein Foundation works closely, also supports the initiative.
7. Transnational training for trainers in Vienna
An important milestone was the 7th Transnational Training for Trainers (TT4T), which took place in Vienna from 11 to 13 April 2025. Fifteen young people from all over Europe engaged intensively with inclusive media education and critical media literacy. In collaboration with the inclusive editorial team ‘Andererseits’ (On the other hand), they discussed how media shape social narratives and how journalism can promote empowerment and participation.
Particularly enriching was the workshop led by Lukas Burnar, managing director of ‘Andererseits,’ who provided valuable insights into accessibility and innovation in media education. Peer trainers Kansu Ekin Tanca (Turkey) and Marine Abrahamyan (Armenia) guided the group through a varied programme ranging from disinformation to dealing with distressing media content.
Media literacy as protection and key to active participation
The participants' self-assessments showed a significant increase in their media awareness and digital resilience. Many felt better equipped to recognise fake news, critically question media content, identify discriminatory and manipulative content, and respond appropriately. They emphasised how important media literacy and resilience are for young people today – especially in a time of growing polarisation, social challenges and digital overload. They see the ability to deal with media consciously and critically as a crucial protective mechanism and as the basis for active, informed participation in society.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
