IDEA Launches Project DEUS to Empower EU Citizens Ahead of the 2024 Parliamentary Elections

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Dec 07, 2022

The consortium of 14 youth organisations headed by IDEA has announced the launch of Project DEUS (Depolarisation and Engagement of the EU Society), aimed at fostering a greater sense of unity and understanding among EU citizens.

This initiative, aligning with the countdown to the EU 2024 Parliamentary Elections, seeks to dismantle misconceptions and promote active political participation.

IDEA, known for its citizen outreach, combating disinformation, and promoting EU values, has designed a comprehensive approach for Project DEUS. Initially, we plan to conduct extensive research supported by partners from and exciting dutch NGO Dare to be Grey to understand the prevalent disinformation strategies. Using these findings, consortium aims to create a unique methodology to diffuse anti-EU narratives subtly, particularly among younger citizens.

But the project's objectives don't stop at combating disinformation. A significant focus is on promoting active engagement with EU institutions, strengthening the connection between young citizens and EU values. IDEA believes this approach will make a lasting impact, fostering a deeper understanding and unity within the EU.

Additionally, Project DEUS is geared towards stimulating election turnout and active political participation. IDEA hopes to encourage and empower its target groups to vote, underscoring the crucial role they play in shaping the EU's future.

Furthermore, Project DEUS will employ targeted messaging using online tools to support these efforts, thereby enhancing their reach and impact. This multi-faceted approach is expected to disarm Eurosceptic disinformation, foster increased voter turnout, and bring EU institutions closer to EU citizens.

IDEA's ambitions extend beyond the upcoming elections, though. The consortium plans to leave a lasting legacy in the form of methodological guides, analysis tools, and implementation procedures. This, coupled with trained staff ready to replicate the process in the future, ensures that Project DEUS's influence will continue to resonate long after the 2024 Parliamentary Elections.

With Project DEUS, IDEA is ready and excited to embark on this endeavor, promising a period of vibrant engagement and fruitful discussions on the road to the 2024 EU Parliamentary Elections.

Project DEUS is co-funded through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.