Author: Veronica Charalambous

MILES in Athens: Advancing Student-Led Media Literacy Initiatives

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 06/05/2026. Posted in Project News.

Board games, student creativity and preparations for Brussels

On 6 May, partners of the MILES project gathered in Athens to discuss the next steps of the initiative and prepare for the project’s final phase.

A central topic of the meeting was the student-designed board game developed across the partner countries. Students have been working creatively on game concepts aimed at helping adults better understand young people’s online realities, social media dynamics and the challenges associated with misinformation. While some student groups have already finalised their games, others are continuing to refine and develop their ideas.

The discussions once again highlighted the importance of placing students at the centre of Media and Information Literacy education. Their perspectives, experiences and creativity are contributing to the development of tools that are not only educational, but also engaging and relevant for teachers, families and wider school communities. During the meeting, partners also exchanged memorable experiences and inspiring moments from their work with teachers and students, some of which will be featured in greater detail in the project newsletter to be published in June.

Partners also discussed preparations for the upcoming MILES EU Conference in Brussels. The final conference will provide an important platform to present the project’s results, exchange insights and bring together educators, policymakers and stakeholders interested in Media and Information Literacy, prebunking approaches and critical thinking in education.

As the MILES project moves towards its conclusion, partners look forward to sharing more about the students’ work, the outcomes of the board game activities and the final conference in Brussels. The meeting in Athens served as a reminder of the significant progress already achieved through the collaboration between students, teachers and project partners. It also renewed the consortium’s commitment to promoting practical and inclusive approaches to media literacy education in the final months of the project.

Learn more about the project: https://miles.erasmusplus.website/

EUPP5: In Times of Crisis and Competing Pressures, Long term Solution Risk Being Sidelined

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 06/05/2026. Posted in Project News.

Article published at the Global Focus website.

As Cyprus holds the EU Council Presidency, civil society actors, researchers, and policymakers gathered in Nicosia to exchange perspectives and explore responses to some of Europe’s most pressing challenges, from democratic backsliding to increasing pressure on civic space.

Spring had fully arrived in Nicosia. Orange trees were in bloom, and the city carried that Mediterranean rhythm where conversations linger and gestures are expansive. Inside an amphitheatre at the University of Nicosia, however, the tempo shifted. The room filled quickly with participants from across North Africa, Europe, and the wider Mediterranean region. Conversations overlapped, hands reached out in greeting, and cameras quietly repositioned themselves toward the stage as the Euro-Mediterranean Civil Society Conference began.

At the same time, less than an hour away, Europe’s heads of state and government were gathering for an EU summit shaped by war, energy security, and economic uncertainty. While the settings differed, the questions were strikingly similar: how the EU navigates a world in crisis, and how trust, rights, and long-term solutions can be upheld at a time when short-term pressures often dominate. The conference formed part of the European Presidency Project, which follows the rotating EU presidencies and aims to strengthen the role of civil society in European development policy.

Civil society as a bridge-builder: citizen diplomacy in practice

The discussions did not remain confined to conference rooms. At the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, we were invited into the exhibition Cyprus Insula: History – Memory – Reality, where the island’s past and present unfolded through layered narratives. One installation stayed with us. A green line stretched along the wall, marking the border that has divided Cyprus since 1974. Yet it did more than illustrate separation. It traced a parallel story.

Along the line, moments of civil society action appeared: initiatives, collaborations, and peacebuilding efforts that had, over time, sought to reconnect what history and politics had pulled apart. It was not a dramatic display, but a quiet accumulation of efforts, each one small in isolation, yet powerful in continuity.

The exhibition offered a tangible illustration of citizen diplomacy in practice: the slow, often invisible work of building trust through relationships and dialogue – the kind of diplomacy that doesn’t only happen through political meetings or formal negotiations.

A civic space under pressure

“Democratic participation is fragmented. Trust in institutions is under pressure. And war is preferred over peace.”

With this stark assessment, Charalambos Vrasidas, Executive Director of CARDET, opened the conference. His words set the tone for two days of discussions shaped by both urgency and reflection.

The opening panel focused on the conditions for civil society in a shifting democratic landscape. Participants highlighted that while shrinking civic space is widely discussed, it does not unfold uniformly. Jan Bazyl from the Polish platform Grupa Zagranica pointed out that in parts of Central and Eastern Europe, operating under pressure has long been the norm rather than a new development.

Mohammed Hafez from the Anna Lindh Foundation drew attention to another shift: the growing difficulty of maintaining direct and meaningful engagement with local communities: “In our context, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain direct contact with the communities we work for,” he explained, describing how access, dialogue, and trust can no longer be taken for granted.

Across the discussions, a shared concern emerged that civil society’s role is increasingly questioned and must constantly be explained. As Carlotta Besozzi from Civil Society Europe noted, organisations are spending more time demonstrating their value, often in terms that do not easily capture the social and democratic contributions they make.

Between urgent crises and long-term solutions

The broader geopolitical context was never far from the conversations at the civil society conference in Nicosia. Ongoing conflicts, pressure on multilateral institutions, and global uncertainty shaped the discussions throughout the conference.

Cyprus itself had recently experienced the proximity of these tensions, including a drone attack on the British airbase RAF Akrotiri. The incident served as a reminder that geopolitical instability is not abstract, but something that is very close to home. These dynamics framed the conference’s final panel on the future of the Mediterranean. Bringing together researchers and experts in international politics, security, and development, the panel explored how shifting alliances and regional tensions are reshaping the conditions for cooperation, security, and development.

The room was notably engaged, with participants leaning forward, questions forming even before the discussion concluded. A recurring theme was the tension between immediate responses and long-term strategies. Several panelists pointed out that crises tend to drive political attention toward short-term solutions. Yet, precisely in such moments, maintaining a long-term perspective becomes even more essential.

Civil society, alongside research and knowledge institutions, was highlighted as playing a crucial role in sustaining attention to structural challenges, including rights, sustainability, and inclusive development. “Diplomacy is not just important. It is the only way forward,” said Dr. Harry Tzimitras, Director of the PRIO Cyprus Centre. He also challenged narrow understandings of security: “We need to stop thinking about security in narrow terms. Security is also about climate, rights, and equality.”

Collaboration as a prerequisite

Back in the conference space, between sessions and over shared meals, conversations continued. The atmosphere reflected a distinct sense of Cypriot hospitality, generous, informal, and intentionally relational. Long tables, shared dishes, and unhurried exchanges created space for connections that extended beyond formal panels.

Across these interactions, one message remained consistent: no single actor can address these challenges alone. Collaboration across civil society, public institutions, researchers, and private actors was repeatedly emphasized as essential. Not as an abstract ideal, but as a practical necessity in a complex and interconnected world.

As Rebekka Blomqvist from Global Focus put it: “We need to look inward, remain open, and build new alliances. How do we get more people to engage with these issues and recognise the importance of civil society’s role?” The conversations in Nicosia pointed toward a shared understanding: that advancing long-term, rights-based, and sustainable solutions requires both the ability to respond to immediate crises and the commitment to keep sight of the broader direction.

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.

Growing Up with Algorithms: Why Youth Mental Health Must Be Part of the AI Debate

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 04/05/2026. Posted in Blog.

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies is transforming our societies, creating unprecedented opportunities for education, innovation, and economic growth. Yet behind this progress lies a question that policymakers and educators cannot ignore: What does this digital transformation mean for the mental health of young people?

Today’s generation is the first to grow up fully immersed in a constantly connected environment. In Europe, more than 80% of young people use social media on a daily basis, making digital platforms a central part of how they communicate, learn, and form their identities (Eurostat 2025).

Social media platforms, recommendation algorithms, and AI-driven technologies increasingly shape how young people access information, interact socially, and perceive themselves (European Parliament Research Service). While these tools offer significant benefits, excessive exposure to digital environments can also intensify stress, social comparison, and digital dependency. Recent international studies suggest that around one in seven adolescents globally experiences a mental health condition, highlighting the importance of supportive and healthy digital ecosystems (WHO Europe Report 2025).

As Europe accelerates its digital transition, the conversation around Artificial Intelligence must go beyond technological capability. It must also address well-being, resilience, and the psychological impact of digital environments. In fact, surveys show that a majority of young Europeans report concerns about the effects of social media and online pressure on their well-being.

The European Union has already taken important steps toward promoting responsible and ethical AI. However, protecting young people requires continued collaboration between policymakers, educators, researchers, and civil society. Organizations such as CARDET, through initiatives like the European Union Presidency Project (EUPP5), contribute to this dialogue by highlighting the link between technological innovation, social responsibility, and youth well-being.

Europe’s challenge is not only to innovate technologically, but to ensure that digital progress ultimately strengthens, rather than undermines, the well-being of the next generation.

Veronica Charalambous,
Senior Communications Officer, CARDET

The article was published at the PolicyPress.

SHOREWINNER Cyprus Local CoVE Development Event Highlights Emerging Blue Careers and Offshore Energy Opportunities

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 04/05/2026. Posted in Project News.

On 7 April 2026, Intercollege in collaboration with the Cyprus Maritime Academy, successfully hosted an event dedicated to promoting blue careers within the shipping industry, bringing together stakeholders from education and maritime sectors.

The Cyprus Centre of Vocational Excellence (Cyprus CoVE), operating under the SHOREWINNER project, actively contributed to the event. Kyriacos Patsalides, Associate Director and Director of Academic Affairs at Intercollege Nicosia and the Cyprus Maritime Academy, delivered a presentation outlining the project’s objectives, ongoing progress, and its strategic vision to support workforce development in the maritime sector. Particular emphasis was placed on the increasing opportunities for professionals in shipping to transition into the offshore renewable energy industry, a sector experiencing significant growth across Europe.

During the session, the Cyprus CoVE also introduced the proposed occupational profile of Crewing Personnel Officer, as developed within its Career Kit. This role was presented as a forward-looking profession, reflecting the evolving needs of the maritime and offshore energy sectors, and highlighting new pathways for career development within the blue economy.

The event underscored the importance of aligning education and training with industry demands, while fostering awareness of emerging career opportunities in sustainable maritime activities.

Learn mora about the SHOREWINNER Project, here.

Completion of Training Cycle for the “Thriving Schools” Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 30/04/2026. 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 28/04/2026. 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.

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.

EUPP5: Nicosia at the Heart of Civil Society Dialogue at the Euro-Mediterranean CSO Conference with Strong International Participation

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 24/04/2026. Posted in Project News.

The Euro-Mediterranean CSO Conference, held on 23 and 24 April 2026 in Nicosia, concluded with great success, highlighting the pivotal role of civil society across Europe and the wider Mediterranean region.

The Conference, organised by CARDET as the national coordinator of the European programme EUPP5 and held under the auspices of the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, brought together representatives of civil society organisations, institutional stakeholders, academia, international organisations, and youth from across the Euro-Mediterranean region. The strong participation reaffirmed the Conference’s role as a key platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices.

During the first day, discussions focused on critical issues such as the protection of civic space, challenges in democratic participation, and the enhanced role of organisations in promoting social cohesion and sustainable development. Additional themes included education for global citizenship, migration and social inclusion, mental health in the modern digital environment, as well as funding models and the sustainability of civil society organisations.

The conference opened with welcome remarks by Panagiotis Palates, Commissioner of the Citizen, Cyprus, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, Executive Director, CARDET, and Dr. Marinos Papaioakeim, Strategic Partnerships and Development Lead, CARDET, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing shared regional challenges.

Panel I – The Shrinking of Civic Space: Challenges, Risks, and the Way Forward, coordinated by Nadia Karayianni, featured Mohammed Hafez, Jan Bazyl, Rebekka Blomqvist, and Carlotta Besozzi, who explored the increasing pressures on civic space and the urgent need to safeguard democratic participation.

Panel II – The Role of Civil Society in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), coordinated by Chara Triteou, brought together Marta Garcia-Haro, Susana Fonseca, Natasa Ioannou, Dr. Theodoros Zachariadis, and Anna Dorangricchia, highlighting the critical contribution of civil society to inclusive and sustainable development.

The Fireside Chat on Global Citizenship Education, coordinated by Dr. Marios Antoniou, with Francesca Vanoni, underscored the role of education in shaping active, informed, and responsible citizens.

Panel Discussion III – Migration, Skills Development and Social Inclusion, coordinated by Irene Theodoulou, featured Natasa Xenophontos Koudouna, Dr. Başak Yavçan, Mariavittoria Garlappi, and Gemma Aubarell, focusing on turning migration challenges into opportunities for growth and integration.

A pre-recorded intervention by Loucas Fourlas, Member of the European Parliament, led into Panel Discussion IV – Digital Mental Health: Challenges and Responses, coordinated by Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, with Kadri Soova, Dr. Joseph Duffy, and Alexandros Tifas, addressing youth wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.

The day concluded with Panel Discussion V – Funding for Civil Society Organisations, coordinated by Dr. Eria Makridou, featuring Nenad Bogdanovic and Yiannis Trimithiotis, who explored innovative and sustainable funding pathways for civil society.

The second day continued with equally substantive thematic sessions, addressing, among others, the role of education in shaping active and responsible citizens, and fostering partnerships across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Particular emphasis was also placed on the impact of geopolitical developments and the digital transition, including the opportunities and challenges arising from the use of artificial intelligence.

The day opened with a keynote by Dr. Aravella Zachariou, who delivered a compelling address on The Role of Education in Shaping Responsible Citizens, highlighting education as a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive societies.

This was followed by a keynote and fireside discussion on AI for Social Good: Opportunities and Ethical Challenges for Civil Society, featuring Dr. Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist, Cyprus and coordinated by Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, exploring how artificial intelligence can drive innovation while addressing critical ethical considerations.

A pre-recorded keynote by Michael Karnitschnig on EU–MENA Partnerships in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape: Challenges, Priorities, and Opportunities provided valuable insights into regional cooperation amid evolving global dynamics.

Panel Discussion VI – The Changing Mediterranean: Geopolitical Tensions, Challenges, and Opportunities, coordinated by Dr. Marinos Papaioakeim, brought together Dr. Zenonas Tziarras, Dr. Harry Tzimitras, and Dr. Michalis Kontos, offering a comprehensive analysis of the region’s shifting geopolitical landscape.

The conference concluded with closing remarks and a networking lunch, marking the end of two impactful days of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership-building.

The discussions underscored the need to strengthen collaboration and adopt innovative approaches capable of addressing contemporary societal challenges. Through meaningful dialogue and the connection of stakeholders and citizens, the Euro-Mediterranean CSO Conference actively contributed to shaping proposals and strategies for a more just, inclusive, and resilient society in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The Conference was organised by CARDET in collaboration with University of Nicosia, within the framework of the European programme EU Presidency Project (EUPP5).

Supporters: (CRoLEV) – UCLAN, Civil Society Advocates, Commissioner for the Citizen Office, European Parliament Liaison Office in Cyprus, Foundation Parliamentary Democracy, Institute for Studies of Politics & Democracy, NGO Support Center, Oxygen for Democracy, Police Lab, Red Cross Cyprus

Media Sponsors: DIAS Group, Policypress, INBusiness, Gold

The full agenda of the Conference is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DGql_W8JTGE0TDF4PfvMfhSfq7D7SDri/view

Photo Gallery: https://www.imhbusiness.com/en/gallery-euro-mediterranean-cso-conference-2026/

To learn more about the EUPP5, please visit: https://cardet.org/eupp5/

The article was published at the PolicyPress

ACT4DYS Pilot Training on Inclusive Urban Development Delivered in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 24/04/2026. 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/

LAYERS: Strengthening Youth Capacity Through a Multi Layered Response to Online Gender-based Violence

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 21/04/2026. Posted in Education, Projects & Initiatives, Youth, Rights & Inclusion.

LAYERS project aims to empower youth workers and organizations across the Western Balkans to effectively combat online gender-based violence (OGBV) by enhancing their capacities, fostering cross-border exchange of best practices, and raising awareness on this critical issue.

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

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 16/04/2026. 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.

Author: Veronica Charalambous

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