The first steps of the two-year journey of Ways of Europe brought together numerous partners engaged in local activities to gather voices, experiences, and perspectives on shaping Europe’s future. Through participatory meetings, workshops, and moments of reflection, the involved organizations created spaces for dialogue with diverse communities, with a particular focus on more vulnerable groups, such as migrants and women.

Future Dialogues: Association Community

First, Association Community organized an event at Coallia, in Arques, which supports refugees and migrants awaiting regularization. Participants were introduced to the Future Dialogues methodology, reflecting on possible future scenarios for Europe, both positive and negative. While some individuals were reluctant to engage—preferring direct discussions with policymakers—the event successfully highlighted the importance of civic voices in shaping societal change.

Women’s Voices: Pere Closa

In February Fundaciò Privada Pere Closa worked with a group of women from diverse cultural backgrounds, encouraging them to become project ambassadors. During the first meeting, participants shared their experiences with employment barriers, housing difficulties, and access to public services, as well as instances of discrimination and violence. The second session included a team-building activity at the Museu De Les Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, followed by exercises where groups envisioned alternative futures for Europe and created visual and written representations of societal transformation.

Intercultural Connections: Subjective Values Foundation

Subjective Values Foundation hosted the Reconnecting Voices for WE event in collaboration with Roots of Nations in Budapest. This gathering brought together individuals from different backgrounds to reflect on migration experiences and Europe’s future. Following an introduction to the project, participants formed thematic groups to discuss pressing issues such as inflation, migration, business development, and employment. Using the Future Dialogues method, they explored practical action plans to address these shared challenges.

Building Community: WIJKZ

Between January 22 and February 5, WIJKZ launched the project with two meetings at the Vrouwenbuurtlab in Laak, Netherlands, engaging local men and women, including a group of Syrian refugees. Discussions covered critical topics such as discrimination, integration, cultural differences, and domestic violence. The insights gathered will guide the next phase of the project, helping to define the key themes for targeted community action.

A First Step Toward Change

These activities created valuable opportunities for open and constructive dialogue, collecting reflections and aspirations from diverse local realities. The journey of Ways of Europe continues with the goal of transforming these voices into concrete actions, fostering active participation in building a more inclusive and forward-thinking Europe.