The BESTLIFE2030 Programme has hit a major milestone. In its second call for proposals, it has unlocked over €8 million to fund 81 locally led projects dedicated to protecting biodiversity in the EU’s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories.

This isn’t just about funding; it’s about empowering the people on the front lines of conservation. These regions are home to some of Europe’s most unique—and threatened—species, and this investment ensures they get the protection they deserve.

Direct Action on the Ground While some grants focus on research, this round is all about “getting hands dirty”. The selected projects prioritise:

• Ecosystem & Species Restoration: Bringing degraded habitats and endangered wildlife back to health.
• Sustainable Management: Balancing human activity with nature.
• Invasive Species Control: Tackling the external threats that disrupt local balance.
• Resilience: Strengthening the natural defences of these vulnerable regions.

Power to the Locals One of the highlights of this round is the diversity of the leaders involved. By broadening eligibility, BESTLIFE2030 has enabled NGOs, research hubs, and local authorities to take the wheel. This “bottom-up” approach ensures that conservation efforts aren’t just generic plans but tailored solutions designed by those who know the land best.

What’s Next? As these 81 projects move into the implementation phase, the momentum is only growing. With two more calls for proposals on the horizon, the programme is well on its way to fully deploying its €23.4 million budget to safeguard our planet’s future.

The European Commission on February 3rd, 2026, announced the winners of the fourth EU Award for Gender Equality Champions, celebrating institutions that have made “tangible progress” in diversifying the landscape of Research and Innovation (R&I).

The announcement, made by the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, highlights a growing cohort of academic and research bodies successfully integrating inclusive policies into the heart of European science.

A ‘Champions League’ of Equality

The awards are divided into three distinct categories, reflecting the various stages of institutional transformation across the continent:

• Sustainable Gender Equality: For the first time, this category saw a tie between Bielefeld University (Germany) and the Open University of Catalonia (Spain). Both institutions were lauded for over 15 and 30 years, respectively, of institutionalised gender planning.
• Newcomer Champions: Recognising those who have recently initiated impactful change, the awards went to Charles University (Czechia) and the Jozef Stefan Institute (Slovenia).
• Inclusive Champion: University College Cork (Ireland) was singled out for its pioneering intersectional approach, including “reverse mentoring” schemes and progressive personal transition policies.

The inclusion of the Jozef Stefan Institute (IJS) as a ‘Newcomer’ champion is of particular significance to the Consulta Europa community. The Slovenian institute served as a key partner in the ATHENA Project, a flagship initiative led by Consulta Europa.

The ATHENA project has been instrumental in removing barriers to the recruitment and career progression of female researchers. By implementing tailored Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) across eight research-performing and funding organisations, ATHENA has laid the groundwork for the very successes celebrated by the Commission today.

The recognition of IJS underscores the efficacy of the ATHENA framework in fostering environments where all researchers—regardless of gender—can contribute to a competitive European society.

Strengthening the European Research Area

Under the Horizon Europe programme, the implementation of a Gender Equality Plan is no longer a choice but a mandatory eligibility criterion for public bodies and research organisations seeking funding.

Commissioner Zaharieva noted that these champions prove that “excellence and inclusion go hand in hand,” suggesting that social progress is now a vital component of Europe’s global scientific competitiveness.

Next Thursday, 15 January, at 11:00 a.m., the launch event of the European ERASMUS+ Sport project STEP-BY-STEP will take place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The initiative is led by the Abrazos en Movimiento Association, with Consulta Europa participating as a partner organisation, and aims to design and implement an Argentine tango intervention for older adults in order to maximise the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of this practice.

The STEP-BY-STEP project is based on studies showing that Argentine tango and other forms of dance help improve balance, coordination, mobility and body awareness in older adults, while also enhancing mood, memory and social interaction. In addition, tango is considered a non-pharmacological intervention of interest in the approach to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The launch event will be held at the Consulta Europa offices, located at 16 Leopoldo Matos Street, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and will serve to present the STEP-BY-STEP project, a study of good practices, and a review of cases from the scientific literature on the benefits of tango for older adults and for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The programme also includes a 40-minute practical introductory Argentine tango session, designed in an adapted and accessible way for this target group.

The event is aimed at professionals and organisations working in the fields of sport and physical activity, social and health care services, associations of older adults and people with cognitive impairment, as well as anyone interested in learning about the potential of Argentine tango as a tool for health and wellbeing.

The organisers also inform that the event will feature the participation of Televisión Canaria, which will provide media coverage of the launch.

From 12 to 14 November, the partners of YouthSOFTPOWER – Youth Engaged in European Soft Power met in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for the first in-person Kick-off Meeting, hosted by the coordinating organisation Consulta Europa.

After the preliminary online meeting held in September, this on-site gathering represented an important milestone: the moment in which the consortium could finally meet face-to-face, strengthen collaboration, and start building the foundations of an effective, inclusive, and forward-looking partnership.

Over three days of work, the partners reviewed the structure of the project in depth, reconnecting with its mission to empower young people—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—with knowledge and skills in SDGs, ODA, soft skills development, and civic participation. The agenda included a full walkthrough of the work packages, responsibilities, milestones, deliverables, and internal procedures, ensuring that each organisation has a clear roadmap for the next 24 months.

The Kick-off Meeting was also an opportunity for team building and strategic reflection. Partners engaged in discussions and brainstorming sessions on how to embed the project’s core values—inclusion, accessibility, participation, and sustainability—throughout all activities and outputs. Special attention was given to the project’s green and inclusive approach, which will guide not only the content we produce but also the way we work together as a consortium.

As we move forward, we look forward to sharing progress, activities, and stories of impact—amplifying young voices and supporting them in becoming active global citizens driving positive change.

Researchers are the engine of innovation and absolutely vital to a thriving society. But today, technical expertise alone won’t cut it. A successful career—whether in academia, industry, public service, or the non-profit world—demands a powerful set of transferrable, ‘soft’ skills.

To bridge this gap and boost career mobility, the European Commission has launched ResearchComp. It’s more than just a document; it’s a practical framework, developed as a key delivery on the new European Research Area and the Skills Agenda, and a strong contribution to the European Year of Skills.

What ResearchComp Does for You

ResearchComp establishes a clear, common language to understand and value the broad capabilities researchers bring to the table. Think of it as a shared map for skill development and talent spotting.

This powerful framework helps diverse groups:

• Researchers can easily figure out which transferrable skills are most valued for inter-sectoral careers, check where they stand, and pinpoint what skills to focus on next. This directly boosts their career prospects and employability.
• Universities, Research Organisations, and Trainers can sharpen their courses and offerings to ensure researchers are equipped with the right skills from the start, supporting lifelong learning.
• Employers get a clear picture of the diverse skill sets researchers offer, making it easier to find and hire highly-skilled talent.
• Policy Makers gain better insights into the skills landscape, allowing them to craft targeted policies to support researchers moving between sectors.

A Modern Standard, Officially Recognised

ResearchComp isn’t working in isolation. It’s a landmark because it’s the first competence framework to be aligned with the official European Skills, Competences, and Occupations classification (ESCO). This alignment gives the framework serious weight and relevance, grounding it in the official European taxonomy for researchers’ transversal skills.

Understanding the ResearchComp Map

The framework is structured logically to cover all the key areas of a researcher’s professional life:

Crucially, the goal isn’t to be an “Expert” in all 38 competences. Instead, researchers should aim to develop capabilities across all 7 areas. Progression can come from formal courses, real-world experience, peer learning, or even great coaching.

Test Yourself: The Self-Assessment Tool

To make things simple, the ResearchComp Self-Assessment Tool lets you check your skills against the framework’s 39 competences. It’s a quick, multiple-choice questionnaire that helps you identify your strengths and where you might need to invest effort.

Ready to explore your skills?

For more information and to access the tool, visit the European Commission’s official page: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/jobs-research/researchcomp-european-competence-framework-researchers_en

A dynamic new era for youth engagement has begun with the official launch of YouthSOFTPOWER – Youth Engaged in European Soft Power, a cutting-edge Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in Youth. Co-funded by the European Union and masterfully led by Consulta Europa, the project kicked off with a successful pre-online meeting on September 26th, uniting the full, diverse consortium.

This crucial two-year initiative addresses the urgent need to raise awareness among young Europeans about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Official Development Assistance (ODA). More than just education, the project is designed to actively equip young people with vital 21st-century skills in advocacy, digital communication, and leadership.

YouthSOFTPOWER brings together six distinct and expert organizations from five countries, creating a robust foundation for broad impact: Consulta Europa (Spain), Universidad de La Laguna (Spain), Liofyllo Social Cooperative Enterprise (Greece), Ecological and Innovation Association (Türkiye), Keuropa ry (Finland), and West Ukrainian National University (Ukraine).

At its core, YouthSOFTPOWER aims to significantly foster inclusion, cross-cultural dialogue, and powerful civic engagement. The project places a special focus on disadvantaged groups, including refugees, migrants, and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), by seamlessly combining innovative education, grassroots activism, and modern digital tools.

Over the next two years, the consortium will deliver a suite of high-impact, innovative results:

• A Comprehensive Digital Platform: Featuring rich educational resources on European values, SDGs, and ODA.
• Action Tools for Advocacy: Including a practical Youth Advocacy Guide and adaptable campaign templates for ODA-SDG promotion.
• Amplified Youth Voices: Producing youth-led podcasts, vlogs, and webinars to ensure young people’s perspectives on global issues are heard.
• Empowerment Training: Delivering targeted training activities, intensive bootcamps, and workshops to strengthen soft skills and actively empower youth as effective global citizens.

Each partner contributes unique strengths—from rigorous research and academic excellence to effective grassroots activism and digital innovation—guaranteeing a holistic and powerful foundation for maximum change.

Stay tuned as YouthSOFTPOWER unfolds! We are committed to sharing regular updates, empowering the next generation to take action, advocate for change, and shape a more just and sustainable future for all.

Project applicants advancing to the final stage of the BESTLIFE2030 Programme’s 2nd Call for Proposals received critical technical support this week in a capacity-building webinar organised by Consulta Europa Projects & Innovation. As the Regional Hub for Macaronesia, Consulta Europa hosted the practical session on 22 September, designed to equip finalists with the tools and knowledge needed to finalise their Full Proposals.

The workshop served as a crucial follow-up to the preparatory webinar held by IUCN, moving beyond theoretical guidance to offer a highly practical deep dive into the application process. A concrete case study was presented, followed by detailed tips on navigating the different sections of the full proposal, all aimed at strengthening submissions focused on biodiversity conservation in the EU’s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories.

Focus on Technical Rigour and Strategic Planning

The guidance focused on the five main sections of the online application portal: Narrative, Logical Framework & Monitoring Plan, Safeguards (ESMS), Budget, and Submission.

Key takeaways emphasised the need for strategic project design and consistency across all components:

• Project Narrative: Applicants were advised to incorporate recommendations from their initial concept note evaluations and clearly articulate their exit strategy for sustaining project results beyond the funding period.
• Logical Framework (Logframe): The importance of a well-defined logframe was stressed, requiring clear specific objectives, measurable results, and detailed activities. Crucially, participants were reminded that at least one biodiversity indicator is mandatory for the monitoring plan.
• Supporting Documentation: Beyond the online forms, the workshop highlighted the need to prepare essential supplementary files, including CVs for all personnel and, most importantly, letters of support from project partners.

Full Session

Download the presentation here

Crucial Deadline and Evaluation Threshold

Applicants were given a firm reminder of the upcoming deadline for the highly competitive grant call.

The final date for submitting the full proposal via the BESTLIFE2030 application portal (https://speciesgrants.iucn.org) is November 14th at 14h00 (CET). A hard deadline for submitting any final clarifications has been set for October 31st.

Project proposals will be evaluated against five main criteria, with a maximum score of 100. To be considered for funding, a proposal must meet a minimum threshold score of 65. The evaluation criteria weigh highly on relevance and effectiveness (30 points) and concept and methodology (25 points).

The session concluded with a Q&A segment, allowing participants to address specific queries ahead of the final submission phase. The recording and presentation materials have been made available to all participants.

For further information regarding the BESTLIFE2030 Programme or the application process, please contact Consulta Europa:

Contact: bestlife2030@consulta-europa.com

Got a brilliant EU-funded project? Fantastic. But if you think your work stops at the final report, think again. Your research findings are valuable, actionable insights that can directly influence policy and shape a better future for all Europeans. The European Commission recognises this, which is why they’ve released a “starter kit” to help EU-funded R&I projects effectively share their scientific evidence with policymakers.

Why Your Scientific Evidence is a Game-Changer

Citizens overwhelmingly believe that scientists should be part of the political conversation. In fact, a recent survey found that 68% of Europeans agree that scientists should intervene in political debates to ensure decisions are evidence-informed. By sharing your findings, you’re not just fulfilling a requirement; you’re actively contributing to a more informed society. Your work can influence:

• Legislative proposals and policy initiatives
• The design of future R&I funding programmes
• Evaluations of existing policies or legislation
• International negotiations

The Blueprint for Success: Three Core Principles

According to the starter kit, there are three essential principles to ensure your results have real policy impact:

Know Your Audience and Context: Policymakers consider multiple inputs, with scientific evidence being a valuable one. You need to understand their needs and what’s on their agenda. Monitor relevant policy developments and identify which of your findings are most pertinent. Your project officer can be a great resource here, connecting you with the right people and debates at the EU level.

Team Up for a Bigger Impact: Don’t go it alone. Establish relationships with a diverse range of researchers and stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry, and civil society. Collaborating with others in similar or complementary fields can enrich your findings and strengthen your collective voice.

Plan for Impact from Day One:To make sure your project results land with the right people at the right time, you need a strategy. The starter kit suggests asking seven key questions early in your project’s lifecycle:

• Why are you engaging? (e.g., to support a specific piece of legislation)
• Who should you inform? (Identify your target audience.)
• What are your key messages? (Be clear, relevant, and credible.)
• What kind of evidence will you use? (Think clear data, figures, and examples.)
• When should you share your results? (Plan for timely inputs)
• Which channels will you use? (This could be a policy brief, workshops, or social media.)

The Power of the Policy Brief

One of the most effective tools for sharing your evidence is the

policy brief. A policy brief is a concise, focused document, typically 2 to 4 pages, that presents clear, actionable recommendations based on scientific evidence for a specific policy matter. It’s designed to be a quick read for busy policymakers.

When writing one, remember these golden rules:

• Do: Use plain language and avoid academic jargon. Focus on the essentials: the problem, why it matters, and what to do about it. Back up every recommendation with compelling evidence and data. Use visuals like graphs and tables to make complex information digestible.
• Don’t: Write an academic paper. Don’t make unsupported claims. Don’t use overly technical language or acronyms. Avoid lengthy blocks of text.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your hard-earned research doesn’t just sit in a report but actually gets the attention it deserves.

For more detailed information, check out the full publications:

• Sharing scientific evidence with policymakers: A starter kit for EU-funded research & innovation (R&I) projects: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/262605e4-4b23-11f0-85ba-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
• Sharing scientific evidence with policymakers: Guide on writing policy briefs for impact: The guide itself cites another publication for more info. The full text of that guide is provided.

In a strategic move to address a fragmented research landscape and a significant funding gap, the European Commission has launched a new strategy to overhaul its research and technology infrastructures. The initiative aims to solidify Europe’s position as a global leader in science and innovation by fostering a more integrated and accessible ecosystem for researchers and industry alike.

The new strategy responds directly to warnings from key reports, including the one by Mario Draghi on the “Future of EU competitiveness”. These reports underscore the critical role of these infrastructures—from particle accelerators to clean rooms and biobanks—as the backbone of Europe’s innovation economy. They are also essential for realising the “fifth freedom” of the EU single market: the free movement of research, knowledge, and innovation.

Europe’s ability to maintain its edge has been hampered by several challenges:

1. Fragmented Funding: A lack of a coherent EU-wide investment approach and scattered private investment has slowed progress. A recent study indicates that European research and technology organisations will need to mobilise between €13 billion and €16 billion for capital investments by 2030 to meet the needs of critical technologies.
2. Limited Access: Complex and costly access procedures, especially for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have created significant barriers.
3. Geographical Imbalance: The current landscape is unevenly distributed, with more than 50% of clean and renewable energy technology infrastructures located in just four countries.
4. To overcome these obstacles, the strategy focuses on five strategic areas:
5. Talent Cultivation: Attracting and retaining top talent by creating clear career paths for a diverse range of roles, from technicians to scientific leaders, aligning with the “Choose Europe” initiative.
6. Ecosystem Reinforcement: Adopting a holistic approach to capacity building, mobilising investment, and leveraging the potential of digitalisation and AI to better serve users.
7. Governance Simplification: Streamlining the governance framework to enable long-term investment decisions and better align priorities across Member States.
8. Accessibility Improvements: Creating a “one-stop-shop” model to provide a continuum of complementary services for researchers and innovative companies across the EU, thereby accelerating the market-readiness of innovations.
9. International Resilience: Strengthening cooperation with strategic international partners to address global challenges while also supporting risk management for critical data and facilities.

This coordinated approach is seen as crucial for bolstering Europe’s economic security and empowering the next generation of industrial champions in the global race for technological sovereignty. For more information, please visit: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/009f0f91-74d3-4b94-9d79-55668cfd5a78_en

 

 

From 1 to 5 September 2025, young changemakers and partner representatives from Spain (Consulta Europa), Germany (YouthX), and Turkey (ECO-IN) gathered in Berlin for the YoungSDG Bootcamp. Organised within the Global Youth for SDGs: Empowering Future Leaders project, the Bootcamp combined workshops, study visits, and intercultural experiences designed to inspire youth-led action for sustainability.

Over three days of immersive learning, participants explored how to bring the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life in their own communities. Through storytelling workshops, gamified SDG challenges, and collaborative discussions, they examined local examples of sustainable practices and reflected on how to transfer these insights into concrete initiatives back home. The sessions strengthened their understanding of the interconnected nature of the SDGsand encouraged them to design local activities aligned with the 2030 Agenda.

Beyond the workshop space, the group discovered Berlin through a sustainability lens—visiting community gardens, local initiatives, and historical sites that offer practical examples of small-scale actions contributing to global impact. These experiences reinforced the message that meaningful change often begins at community level.

A particularly memorable moment was the intercultural evening, where participants shared traditional food and personal stories from their home countries. The session transformed into a celebration of diversity, dialogue, and connection—values at the heart of the project.

As the Bootcamp concluded, participants began planning local events for 2026 aimed at raising SDG awareness and promoting youth-led sustainability actions in their regions. Together, they outlined how to make the SDGs more tangible in everyday life, bridging global challenges with local realities.

To acknowledge their learning journey, commitment, and active participation, all participants received the Youthpass certificate, recognising the competences they developed during the Bootcamp and their contribution to advancing the SDGs.

As health services and information move increasingly online, understanding how people access and use digital tools has become essential. Yet, not everyone has the same skills or opportunities to benefit from digital health resources. This is where the IDEAHL project – Improving Digital Empowerment for Active Healthy Living – made a key contribution.

One of its outcomes has now been published in Public Health (Elsevier): “IDEAHL comprehensive protocol for obtaining qualitative information from European citizens on digital health literacy” (Rey Hidalgo et al., 2025). The article presents a structured way of listening to citizens across Europe about their experiences with digital health literacy (dHL).

Why develop a protocol?

Digital health literacy is not just about using the internet to look for health advice. It includes the ability to find reliable information, understand it, and apply it in everyday life. For groups who face barriers – whether due to age, education, social or economic factors – this is especially important.

Existing studies often relied on surveys and numbers, which provide useful data but don’t always capture people’s real experiences. The IDEAHL protocol was created to address this gap. It is a qualitative approach designed to explore how different groups use, or struggle with, digital health tools.

How it was built

The protocol was developed through a review of existing research and a collaborative process with digital health literacy experts and stakeholders. It includes:

• Recruitment methods adapted to different population groups.
• Interview guides with general and group-specific questions.
• Participatory techniques to encourage open discussion.

This approach was applied in 10 European countries, involving 1,434 citizens from 19 different groups, ensuring a wide and diverse participation.

What it means for the future

The protocol is intended as a practical tool for policymakers. By providing a clear method to collect and analyse people’s experiences, it can support the design of national and regional action plans on digital health literacy. This helps ensure that future strategies are based on the realities of those who use, or may struggle to use, digital health services.

IDEAHL’s role

Within the IDEAHL project, which ended in April 2024, the protocol was an important step in shaping a European Digital Health Literacy Strategy. The work was strengthened by the contributions of Michelle Perello and Beatrice Avagnina, who played a role in shaping its design.

The IDEAHL project has provided tools that will remain relevant well beyond its conclusion by bringing together evidence, expert knowledge, and the voices of citizens. Access the full scientific publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033350625003646

On 16 July, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) that will define the European Union’s long-term budget for the period 2028-2034. With a budget of almost €2 trillion, equivalent to 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income, the MFF is designed to promote a more independent, prosperous, secure and resilient Europe.

This renewed budget responds to the emerging challenges facing the continent and seeks to strengthen the EU’s ability to respond swiftly to crises, promote territorial and social cohesion, accelerate innovation and consolidate Europe’s role as a global player.

A more agile, focused and coherent budget

One of the main new features of this MFF is greater flexibility in the use of funds, which will enable the EU to adapt quickly to new priorities or unexpected situations. In addition, financial programmes are simplified and harmonised, making it easier for citizens and businesses to access funding opportunities.

The Commission also proposes the introduction of National and Regional Partnership Plans, adapting investments and reforms to local needs and strengthening territorial cohesion. The proposal includes a strong boost to competitiveness, with strategic investments in innovation, clean technologies and industrial independence. It also puts forward a balanced proposal for new own resources, with the aim of ensuring adequate revenue without overburdening national budgets.

Investments focused on people, innovation and security

The new MFF is committed to a fairer and more inclusive Europe, with investments targeting education, democratic values and culture. The Erasmus+ programme is being strengthened and the AgoraEU initiative, aimed at protecting cultural diversity and artistic freedom, is being promoted.

Competitiveness and technological transformation will be strengthened with the creation of a new European Competitiveness Fund, focusing on the green and digital transition, biotechnology and defence. In terms of crisis preparedness and resilience, a new emergency mechanism is proposed that could mobilise up to €400 billion in loans for Member States.

The defence and security component will receive an unprecedented investment of €131 billion through the Competitiveness Fund itself, and border and migration management capabilities will be strengthened. At the international level, the Global Europe Instrument will have €200 billion at its disposal, and additional support of up to €100 billion is planned for Ukraine.

New resources and citizen participation

To finance these priorities without increasing the burden on national budgets, the Commission is proposing five new own resources. These include revenues linked to emissions trading, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, non-recycled electronic waste, tobacco taxes and a corporate contribution based on turnover.

The proposal not only reflects a strategic vision, but also an exercise in participatory democracy. Prior to its presentation, an open consultation process was carried out, including the European Citizens’ Panel on the EU budget, held in the first half of 2025. This process resulted in 23 recommendations, many of which have been incorporated into the final design of the MFF.

The new episode of OCEAN, the Euronews documentary series produced in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), is now available and features the European project TWINNEDbySTARS. Broadcast on 29 July in over 160 countries, the episode focuses on sea-friendly tourism and shows how the outermost regions of the Atlantic are committed to a development model based on knowledge, authenticity, and sustainability.

From underwater archaeology to whale-watching excursions guided by scientists, the report demonstrates that a tourism model is possible that protects and values the ocean’s natural and cultural heritage, in contrast to mass tourism models that have sparked protests in cities such as Barcelona and Venice. TWINNEDbySTARS aims to transform holiday experiences in coastal areas in a responsible and sustainable way.

Funded by the European Commission, the project connects SMEs in the nautical sector across the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, and Martinique, promoting the design and testing of new sustainable, multi-destination tourism products. These experiences integrate science, culture, and ocean enjoyment from a responsible perspective, fostering respect for the marine environment and connection with local heritage.

“The marine ecosystem, like the terrestrial one, is constantly exposed to human activities. The key lies in corporate social responsibility to operate in the best possible way in the marine environment. TWINNEDbySTARS was created with this goal in mind: to grow responsibly and reduce environmental pressure,” says Yen E. Lam, coordinator of the project.

The Euronews team visited two of the participating islands to learn more about the initiatives within this network of transformation. In Tenerife, they visited Biosean, a company led by marine biologist Misael Morales Vargas, offering whale-watching excursions with a scientific focus and minimal environmental impact. Their trips are conducted in quiet inflatable boats with small groups, making each outing an educational experience.

One of the most special moments is the use of the hydrophone, an underwater microphone that allows visitors to hear the clicks and whistles of cetaceans in real time. “There is an environmental emergency, and we need to create experiences that can change people’s mindsets. We need them to see nature as part of us, not as something separate,” Morales Vargas points out.

In Faial, in the Azores archipelago, the OCEAN team sailed with Naturalist, another TWINNEDbySTARS participant. Their guides combine scientific knowledge with respectful observation of marine fauna, bringing visitors closer to the world of cetaceans in a conscious and intimate way. “We want to be role models so that other companies can strengthen the links between science and tourism, using better data obtained directly from the ocean,” explains Gisela Dionísio, marine biologist at Naturalist.

The episode also highlights other relevant initiatives, such as the ecoRoute project, which promotes underwater heritage in peripheral regions through responsible diving and coastal archaeology. Initiatives like these strengthen the ecosystem of actors who, like TWINNEDbySTARS, are leading the shift toward more conscious tourism in the Atlantic.

The full episode is available in several languages on the Euronews website:
🔗 https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/07/29/how-atlantic-islands-are-proving-tourism-can-help-the-ocean

With this international visibility, TWINNEDbySTARS is taking another step toward becoming a European benchmark in creating sustainable, cooperative marine tourism experiences aligned with the current challenges facing the ocean.

© Euronews / European Commission, 2025

On June 2025 the YOUNGSDG partners gathered in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain for an Evaluation Workshop hosted by Consulta Europa. The meeting offered a key opportunity to review progress, share experiences and agree on the next milestones.

Project partners’ representatives from Consulta Europa (Spain), YouthX (Germany) and BILGEMDER (Türkiye), gathered for a workshop that provided  a constructive space for dialogue and collaboration. Through team-building and strategy sessions, partners revisited their contributions, considered participant feedback and aligned on future steps to deliver results and meaningful learning experiences.

The evaluation also provided an opportunity to review and endorse two cornerstone resources already completed—the YOUNGSDG Methodology Handbook and a practical SDG Training Guide for youth workers—which will serve as the foundation for the project’s upcoming activities.

The second half of the project now begins with several events already in sight.

On 8–9 July YouthX will lead an online Civil Public Service Announcement campaign. Over two practical sessions, young people will use tools such as Canva and Powtoon to create posters, short videos and social-media clips that present the Sustainable Development Goals in a fresh, creative, youth-friendly way.

In early September partner representatives and selected young people will travel to Berlin for a three-day bootcamp. The programme will combine SDG basics, hands-on labs and a design-thinking exercise in which teams develop projects to implement in their own communities, strengthening leadership, creativity and advocacy skills.

Between late 2025 and early 2026 each partner will host a two-day national symposium. These events will bring together young citizens, teachers, civil-society groups and local authorities to share project results and build further cooperation around the SDGs.

The project will conclude in June 2026 with a final conference in Muğla, Türkiye, organised by BILGEMDER. Partners, policy-makers and young changemakers will review achievements and discuss how to keep the momentum alive.

Follow @YoungSDG on social media to stay involved and help transform the SDGs from words on paper into everyday action across Europe.

The European TWINNEDbySTARS project enters a new phase with the launch of its first two collaborative products, developed together with small and medium-sized enterprises in the nautical sector in the outermost regions of the Atlantic.

The first of these is a programme of certified internships on board, a proposal that connects theoretical training with real experience at sea. These training placements are aimed at young people and students interested in developing their careers in the nautical sector, with the possibility of short or long-term placements, with or without accommodation included. The internships have an educational approach and a strong commitment to the environment, offering participating companies an opportunity to contribute to the future of the sector and to be an active part of an Atlantic training network.

The second product is Atlantic Starlight Adventures, a joint platform for the promotion and sale of nautical experiences linked to stargazing. After a year of joint work, the participating companies have developed diverse offers of activities such as night sailing, inter-island routes at sunset and constellation observation. Each company has designed its own tourism package, providing uniqueness within a shared narrative that celebrates the Atlantic sky as a differentiating element.

These products mark the beginning of a new phase for TWINNEDbySTARS, focused on connecting destinations, companies and new audiences through sustainable, educational and memorable experiences at sea.