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Month: April 2026

Completion of Training Cycle for the “Thriving Schools” Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Thriving Schools project has successfully completed its latest cycle of training activities for participating schools in Cyprus, marking an important milestone in promoting wellbeing across school communities.

The training programme included a series of targeted online sessions designed to support both educators and parents/guardians in fostering a culture of wellbeing at school and at home.

Two interactive webinars for parents and guardians focused on the theme “Mental Health and Wellbeing at Home” (3 March and 21 April 2026). Delivered in collaboration with CARDET and the Institute of Development, these sessions aimed to empower families to apply key principles of Positive Psychology in everyday life and strengthen wellbeing within the home environment.

In parallel, two webinars were delivered for educators, focusing on strengthening teacher wellbeing through the PERMA model. The first session (17 February 2026) introduced practical strategies to support emotional balance and daily engagement. The second session (16 March 2026) explored ways to build resilience, recognize everyday achievements, and reconnect with professional purpose.

These activities form part of a broader whole-school approach adopted by the Thriving Schools project, which supports teachers, students, and families in creating positive, inclusive, and emotionally supportive learning environments.

Investing in the wellbeing of educators and families alike, the project continues to contribute to stronger school communities where both teaching and learning can thrive.

Read more about the project at https://thrivingschools.eu/

The EU’s Role in Global Development Aid

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

The European Union remains the world’s largest development donor, but the latest data shows a system under increasing pressure. In 2024, the EU and its Member States collectively provided approximately €88.7 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA), maintaining around 42% of global aid (European External Action Service, 2025).

This reflects a decline from the €95.9 billion recorded in 2023 (Council of the European Union, 2024), signalling a downward trend. At the institutional level, EU bodies, including the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, delivered about $27.7 billion in 2024 (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2025).

The global context is even more concerning. Total development aid fell to around $212–214 billion in 2024, while early 2025 estimates indicate a drop to $174.3 billion — a 23% decline, the largest contraction on record (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2025).

Within the EU, progress toward the 0.7% GNI target remains limited. The EU’s ODA ratio declined to approximately 0.47% in 2024, with several Member States reducing commitments (CONCORD Europe, 2025).

Despite these pressures, EU development aid remains structurally significant. It combines financial support with governance reform, institutional development, and long-term partnerships, positioning the EU as a key actor in sustainable development and global stability.

The project “Towards an open, fair and sustainable Europe in the world – EU Presidency Project 2024-2026” is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by Global Focus, Grupa Zagranica, CARDET, and CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation. Project Number: 2024 / 459-484. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CARDET and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

References

  • European External Action Service (2025) Annual Report
  • Council of the European Union (2024) ODA Report
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2025) Development Co-operation Data
  • CONCORD Europe (2025) AidWatch Report

Dr Marinos Papaioakeim,
Strategic Partnerships and Development Lead at CARDET

The article was published at the PolicyPress.

SPARK: A powerful week for inclusive democracy in Poland

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET is pleased to share updates from its recent activities on the SPARK Project. On April 23rd, transnational partners convened in Warsaw, hosted by PROM, to strategize on fostering the political participation of young Europeans with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities. The meeting played a key role in finalizing evidence-based policy recommendations and ensuring a coordinated approach across all six partner countries.

The momentum continued on April 24th in Radom with a major Advocacy Event, bringing together 76 young leaders. The event focused on amplifying the voices of young people who are often excluded from democratic processes. By presenting findings from national workshops, the partnership is actively working to bridge the “disability gap” and promote inclusive participation, ensuring that every young person has a seat at the political table.

Through these efforts, the SPARK Project continues to drive meaningful change towards a more accessible and inclusive European democracy.

Find out more about the project here.

infinite project successfully concludes in Groningen

Celebrating Success: The INFINITE Project Concludes with a Grand Finale in Groningen!

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our INFINITE project! To mark the end of this incredible journey, partners gathered for a vibrant two-day final event that combined forward-thinking academic discussion with productive collaborative planning.

Day 1: STEM Education for Sustainable Futures

The event kicked off at the House of Connections at the University of Groningen with an inspiring conference titled “STEM Education for Sustainable Futures: Focusing on AI and informal education.”

The opening panel brought together esteemed experts, including Justin Dillon (UCL) and Digna Couso (Autonomous University of Barcelona), to discuss the intersection of AI and pedagogical practices. The afternoon was equally engaging, featuring hands-on workshops where participants explored:

  • The INFINITE AI Literacy Toolkit and Digital Hub.
  • Strategies for designing and piloting AI capacity building courses in higher education.
  • Crucial discussions on balancing AI with human connection to enhance student wellbeing.

Day 2: A Productive Partnership Finale

On the second day, the INFINITE consortium met at the University of Groningen Campus for a focused final meeting. It was a day of remarkable productivity as partners conducted final checks on all Work Packages (WPs):

  • Project Management & Quality Assurance (WP1): Finalizing reporting and evaluation strategies.
  • AI Literacy Toolkit (WP2): Celebrating the completion of this core resource.
  • AI Digital Hub (WP3): Reviewing the hub’s performance and meeting all Q&A targets.
  • Capacity Building (WP4): Preparing national and translational reports.
  • Sustainability (WP5): Planning for the long-term impact through a final newsletter, infographics, and a dedicated sustainability meeting.

Explore Our Results!

While the project is coming to an end, the resources we’ve built are just beginning their life! We warmly welcome educators, students, and professionals to visit our Digital Hub and explore the wealth of knowledge we’ve created.

Visit the INFINITE Project Page: https://infinite-erasmus.eu/

EDUDATA: Enhancing Data Use, Governance and Informed Decision Making in Digital Education Across Europe

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Education, Projects & Initiatives.

The EDUDATA project aims to strengthen the capacity of European education systems to make evidence-informed decisions in digital education by designing, piloting, and validating a multilevel governance model for digital education data. The project addresses the fragmented nature of educational data by proposing a shared governance structure that enables data collected at the school level to be used at national and EU levels.

The project’s specific objectives include:

  • Mapping and analyzing existing digital education data sources at EU and national levels to identify gaps and governance structures.
  • Engaging stakeholders, including policymakers and school leaders, through structured consultations to co-develop project outputs.
  • Designing the EDUDATA Model, a conceptual governance framework for ethical and effective data use.
  • Piloting and validating the model in diverse school settings to assess its usability and impact on decision-making.
  • Developing an interactive, multilingual online version of the model to ensure broad accessibility.

The official website of the project will be soon available.

ACT4DYS Pilot Training on Inclusive Urban Development Delivered in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Monday, 20 April, a pilot training session was successfully delivered at the headquarters of the Cyprus Red Cross Society, engaging staff and volunteers in the framework of the ACT4DYS project. The training was implemented using the Simulation-based Training Package developed by the project consortium.

The ACT4DYS project aims to empower young people, including those with disabilities, as well as youth workers, to actively contribute to sustainable and inclusive urban development. The initiative focuses on raising awareness about accessibility in urban environments, addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, and equipping youth workers with innovative tools to support youth engagement in urban inclusion.

The Training Package developed within the project provides a comprehensive set of theoretical and practical resources, structured into thematic modules. It is specifically designed to strengthen the capacities of youth workers and trainers in the field of inclusive and sustainable urban development, with a strong emphasis on disability inclusion.

The primary objective of the pilot workshop was to test and evaluate the training material with a group of youth workers, ensuring its quality and effectiveness prior to its final publication. The session was attended by more than 15 participants, who actively engaged with the content and contributed valuable feedback.

The workshop concluded successfully, with participants expressing strong interest in both the thematic focus of the project and the practical applicability of the training tools. Discussions also explored opportunities for further implementation, including the potential use of the training activities with young participants in upcoming summer initiatives organised by the Red Cross.

Learn more about the ACT4DYS project here: https://act4dys.eu/ 

ACT4DYS e-portfolio

The Launch of the ACT4DYS E-Portfolio

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

ACT4DYS E-Portfolio has officially been released. A key outcome of the project aimed at promoting disability-inclusive development and sustainable urban environments across Europe.

The ACT4DYS E-Portfolio is a dynamic, multilingual online resource showcasing innovative case studies, best practices, and effective approaches from across Europe. Designed for youth workers, young people, and policymakers, the portfolio highlights impactful initiatives in accessible transportation, inclusive public and green spaces, and the empowerment of youth in climate action.

Through its interactive case studies, users can explore practical examples and gain inspiration to adopt or adapt inclusive solutions within their own local contexts. The portfolio supports a shared European vision of cities that are more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for all.

In addition, the E-Portfolio features five research infographics presenting key findings from the ACT4DYS project’s desk research and focus groups conducted between May and July 2025 in Cyprus, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and Belgium. These infographics capture national policies, good practices, and local perspectives on sustainable urban mobility, accessible public spaces, and disability-inclusive planning. The findings draw on European databases, national reports, and community discussions with young people, youth workers, and young persons with disabilities.

Discover practical tools and inspiring examples that contribute to building more inclusive and sustainable communities across Europe here.

Podcast – Civil society in Cyprus: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path Forward

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

Civil society in Cyprus is at a pivotal moment, balancing persistent structural challenges with emerging opportunities for meaningful impact. In a recent discussion on the Policy Talks podcast, Marinos Papaioakeim, Strategic Partnerships and Development Lead at CARDET, and Nadia Karayianni, Head of Business Development at CARDET, offer a nuanced assessment of the sector’s current landscape and future trajectory.

One of the key challenges identified is the limited institutional capacity and fragmented nature of civil society organisations, which often constrains their ability to influence policy-making effectively. Issues such as restricted funding streams, administrative burdens, and varying levels of public trust further complicate the operating environment. Despite these barriers, there is a growing recognition of the vital role civil society plays in fostering democratic participation and social cohesion.

At the same time, opportunities for growth are becoming increasingly evident. Enhanced collaboration between organisations, greater access to European funding mechanisms, and a gradual shift toward more participatory governance models are creating space for civil society to expand its influence. Strengthening civic engagement—particularly among younger generations—is highlighted as a critical factor in shaping more inclusive and responsive public policies.

A notable initiative discussed is the EU Presidency Project 5 (EUPP5), a civil society-driven effort funded by the European Commission and implemented during the EU Council Presidency Trio of Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus (October 2024 – September 2026). The project aims to empower civil society actors, build capacity, and promote active involvement in decision-making processes at both national and European levels.

Looking ahead, the evolution of civil society in Cyprus will depend on sustained investment in capacity-building, stronger cross-sector partnerships, and a continued commitment to participatory dialogue. While progress is underway, the pace and depth of change will ultimately determine whether civil society can fully realise its potential as a driver of inclusive governance.

Watch the full podcast here.

The project “Towards an open, fair and sustainable Europe in the world – EU Presidency Project 2024-2026” is  co-funded  by the European Union and implemented by Global Focus, Grupa Zagranica, CARDET, and CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation. Project Number: 2024 / 459-484. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CARDET and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.