The E-Gov4Youth project recently piloted its e-government training program in Cyprus, Norway, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Italy, engaging young people interested in digital public services and testing the content, digital platforms, and teaching methodologies developed by the partners.

The sessions combined in-person and online activities to ensure flexibility and participation.

In Cyprus, the training took place on June 26–27, 2025, with 12 participants and five experts covering topics such as cybersecurity, digital tools, ethics, and practical case studies. The hybrid format was well received, although recruiting participants aged 24–29 proved challenging.

In Norway, activities were held over three days between July and September 2025, featuring practical workshops on digital citizenship, political participation, and co-creation of innovative solutions. The 24 young participants engaged actively with local experts and deepened their learning through exercises and discussions.

In Bulgaria, three online sessions in July involved 10 participants and five experts, focusing on youth interaction with local authorities, digital service prototyping, and storytelling for project presentations. The blended approach ensured high engagement.

In Estonia, two days of workshops at TalTech enabled 10 NEET youth to explore e-government modules, transparency, and digital tools, alternating theory and practical activities with support from national and local experts.

In Italy, Exeo Lab organized three online sessions between June and July 2025, with about 20 participants per session, covering digital citizenship, data privacy, and interactive exercises, supported by five experts.

Across all partner countries, young people showed strong interest in digitalizing public services and their role in digital governance. The activities successfully combined theory and practice through interactive workshops and co-creation exercises, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid programs in fostering active participation. Key challenges included recruiting participants aged 24–29 and competing with other free training programs. Overall, the piloting phase confirmed the program’s value and its potential impact on youth and local communities, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange and best practices across partner countries.