The Youth Contest - Rules and Requirements 

In a time of profound transformations, catalysed by technological advancements and an amplified focus on sustainability, we stand at a crossroad. This period of change demands a new vision for urban landscapes, a fervent commitment to preserving biodiversity, and a shift in behaviours that foster sustainability. 

In this context, we are thrilled to launch the YOUTH-FIT-FOR-55 CONTEST, an initiative that aims to harness the dynamic and creative spirit of Europe's youth, in alignment with the principles of the European Green Deal, our blueprint for a more inclusive and green society.

Thus, we invite young minds across Europe to propose sustainable and viable initiatives ready for implementation. These initiatives should help European citizens to lead a greener, more sustainable and zero carbon way of life.

The following spheres of influence below can give your inspiration to see if your project fits our call.

Note! These spheres are not exhaustive. We welcome IDEAS that transcend these categories.

We welcome submissions from youth who are keen to be changemakers, ready to bridge ideas and actions for a brighter, sustainable future. 

• Slow fashion: a proposal that adheres to the principles of a circular economy, focusing on areas such as ethical production, upcycling, or zero-waste initiatives.
• Urban landscapes: design concepts for urban oasis that encourage a harmonious coexistence with nature, fostering community wellness and connection through increased biodiversity and green spaces.
• Digital sustainability: propose initiatives that combine emerging technologies with environmental consciousness, promoting digital literacy in the green economy or strategies to reduce the digital carbon footprint.
• Community green hubs: develop ideas that encourage community engagement through green hubs, serving as centres for eco-friendly art projects, local produce markets, or educational workshops.

• Green transit innovations: Innovate in the realm of green mobility, encouraging sustainable transportation methods, focusing possibly on cycling initiatives, electric vehicles, or walkable city designs.
• Sustainable creative projects: introduce creative events that celebrate and promote environmental sustainability through cultural events, artistic expressions, music festivals, or other forms of cultural engagement.
• Well-being and nature: create programmes that intertwine personal well-being with environmental conservation, perhaps integrating mindfulness practices with nature-centric activities.
• Eco-culinary ventures: unveil culinary concepts that promote sustainable eating habits, championing local, organic produce, or creating platforms to reduce food waste.

Overview

This contest is organised within the Youth-fit-for-55 ERASMUS+ project, implemented by Asociatia IDEI in partnership with Research Factory, TDM 2000 International, The European e-Learning Institute, Momentum Consulting and Le LABA. The project aims to engage young people across Europe in the green transition and to inspire them to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. Our journey is anchored in the European Green Deal's "Fit for 55" package, an ambitious roadmap which reveals the collective effort needed to reach our objective of 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Given the high stakes of the green transition, "fit for 55" is more than just a rationale for supporting or complementary endeavours. It is an invitation to act, which this project is taking on, addressing the area of youth participation and cooperation.

The objective of this contest is meant to identify ideas/projects/initiatives in Europe led by young people and support them to increase the potential impact on the community of the social innovation ideas that incorporate green practices. The prize that we put forward will also motivate other young people to become drivers of change.

Requirements

• Each applicant must fill in the Contest template. All sections marked with * are mandatory. 
• The application can describe a project/initiative at design stage or implementation stage.
• Applications must be submitted in English (or any of the project’s official languages – Romanian, Italian, French, Danish)
• Supporting materials such as sketches, photos, or short videos to illustrate the concept more vividly are encouraged but not mandatory. 
• All submissions must be original work and should not infringe on any intellectual property rights.
• The application must present a project/initiative that fits the following criteria: achievable and practical concept, coherent and clear language, innovative and creative in addressing the goals of the European Green Deal, financially viable.

Eligibility Criteria 

1. Applicants must be young people between 15-35 years old. 
2. The applicant must be resident of a country part of the European Union: https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles_en
3. An individual can submit only 1 application
4. The proposal needs to be relevant to the specific objectives of the call - sustainable.

Start and closing dates 

The competition shall open for entries at the time and on the date specified (15th of November 2023) on our website and/or social media channels, and similarly, shall close to entries at the time and on the date specified on our website and social media channels (12th of January 2024). 

Any entries received before the opening or after the closing of the contest will be invalid and will not be entered into the competition.

Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of all of these terms and conditions.

• Online registration opens – 7th of November 2023
• Deadline for submission – 12th of January 2024
• Announcement of the top 3 applications – 19th of January 2024
• Online Award Ceremony – 22th of January 2024

Judging

Competition entries shall be judged or winners selected on the basis of those criteria specified on our website and/or social media channels in relation to the competition.

If a contest entrant does not meet the eligibility requirements or is subject to any entry restrictions, that entrant shall not be entitled to be adjudged a winner, and will not be entitled to a prize in any circumstances.

The contest and these terms and conditions are steered by a committee of the “Youth fit for 55” project composed by a representative of each organisation. See on the website the list of organisations and representatives: https://youthfitfor55.eu/partners/

Awards

Prize 1 - An action camera, GoPro 12  

Prize 2 - Interrail pass (7 days within 1 month: https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/global-pass

Prize 3 - One-year subscription to a digital library and/or magazine on the topic of sustainability of your choice

Personal data

As part of the project Youth-fit-for-55, we will process certain personal data concerning users. These processing operations are carried out in compliance with Law n° 78-17 of January 6, 1978, as amended, relating to data processing, files and freedoms (« Data Protection Act ») and the European Regulation of May 25, 2018 on data protection (« GDPR »).

*According to the EU law on data protection of 2018, your information will become part of a database belonging to the coordinator of the project with the aim of contacting you about any documentation. At no point will the data be disclosed. If you wish to exert your right of access, rectification, cancellation, or objection, please contact us. This form reflects the views only of the authors, and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Please opt out and indicate if you don’t want to appear in any pictures or videos during this activity.

For further information or any questions you might have contact youthfitfor55@gmail.com