The association “Youth and Civil Initiatives in the Rose Valley” organised and sent a group of 11 students from Karlovo and Sopot to the European Youth Center – Brnešt in Romania to participate in the project “Fake or Real Democracy,” held from 14 to 22 February 2026. The Bulgarian group, led by Mr. Emil Ivanov from the General Vladimir Zaimov Vocational High School – Sopot, joined 40 young people from Romania, Spain, and Portugal in an international youth exchange.

The project, implemented under the Erasmus+ programme, focused on strengthening democratic awareness, media literacy, and active youth participation. Participants learned to distinguish fake news from real news, explored the functioning of European and national institutions, and discussed direct democracy and civic engagement.

During the exchange, the group visited the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, where they learned about Romania’s governance system, as well as the city’s largest youth center, uniting 37 youth organisations. Through interactive cultural activities and teamwork, participants enriched their intercultural understanding and personal development. More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/mgirdrosevalley