On April 1, 2026, the TUNE Network, with the Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Mostar as a member, officially launched its annual activities with a dynamic online Kick-Off meeting, bringing together member organizations from across Europe. The meeting marked the beginning of an ambitious year following the successful approval of the SGA (Specific Grant Agreement) and secured EU co-funding for 2026, enabling the full implementation of the planned activities.
The session began with a warm welcome to both existing and new member representatives, setting a collaborative and forward-looking tone. Participants revisited TUNE’s core vision—a fair and sustainable future in the digital environment—as well as its mission to strengthen democratic values, youth participation, and inclusive governance across Europe.
Strengthening Governance and Participation
A key segment of the meeting was the presentation of the newly elected Coordination Board, which will guide the network’s activities in 2026. With clearly defined roles and shared responsibilities, the Board aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and communication within the network while promoting a more participatory decision-making process.
Beyond governance, members emphasized the importance of deeper cooperation, project co-creation, and greater engagement within the network. This reflects a collective commitment to ensuring that TUNE is not just a platform for exchange, but a space for meaningful collective action.
A Comprehensive Work Plan for Youth Inclusion
The 2026 work plan introduces a series of interconnected activities designed to strengthen organizational capacities and youth participation.
The year kicks off with an online training course for youth workers and project managers, equipping them with tools for civic engagement and democratic participation. This will be followed by an international youth training, laying the groundwork for the formation of the Youth Board and three working groups—core structures that will enable young people to actively shape the network’s development direction.
From mid-year onwards, the Youth Board and working groups will take an active role in developing campaigns, gathering insights from local communities, and contributing to the network's strategic growth. A coordinated youth survey will also be implemented across all partner countries, providing valuable data on young people's attitudes toward participation, inclusion, and democracy.
At the local level, member organizations will host youth-led trainings and activities, creating opportunities for direct youth engagement with communities and decision-makers. These efforts will culminate in a digital youth inclusion campaign aiming to reach at least 20,000 people across Europe.
Network Expansion and Amplifying Impact
Looking ahead, TUNE plans to further expand its network by onboarding new organizations that share its values and mission. Concurrently, stronger monitoring mechanisms will be introduced to ensure active participation and member accountability.
The network will continue to operate through thematic clusters focused on youth participation, inclusion, mental health, and capacity building, enabling targeted partnerships and knowledge exchange among countries.
Looking Forward
The Kick-Off meeting concluded with a strong sense of motivation and shared purpose among the participants. As TUNE enters the implementation phase of its 2026 work plan, the network stands ready to further strengthen its role as a key platform for youth participation and democratic engagement across Europe.
With a clear structure, ambitious activities, and an engaged community, 2026 promises to be a year of growth, collaboration, and significant impact for the TUNE Network.
