From 29 September to 4 October 2025, the European youth project „Bees & More“ (EYFON meets FRIDA) took place for the third time at Europaburg Neumarkt. Around 25 young people from Austria, Greece, Slovenia, and Sweden spent a week exploring topics such as environmental policy, sustainability, and the protection of bees and other pollinating insects.
The main objective of the exchange was to raise awareness of the vital role of pollinators and biodiversity while deepening participants‘ understanding of European environmental policies. Alongside workshops and discussion sessions, the programme featured a wide range of hands-on activities. Participants gained insights into plant pollination during a guided tour of the FRUTURA greenhouses in Bad Blumau and visited an organic beekeeper in Mühlen to learn more about beehives, honey production, and the protection of native insect species. At Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park, the group experienced nature firsthand, developed educational materials, and took part in creative activities such as the „Bee Hive Building Challenge,“ during which participants built insect hotels.
The programme was complemented by social and recreational activities that encouraged intercultural exchange and strengthened friendships among the participants. One of the highlights of the week was the presentation of the European Peace Medal at the Neumarkt Community Centre, followed by the Europe Festival and the project’s official closing ceremony at Europaburg.
The „Bees & More“ project made a valuable contribution to European youth education by promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and a stronger sense of European solidarity.
„We wanted to show young people that sustainable action in everyday life can make a real difference—and that Europe plays an important role in bringing people together,“ one of the project coordinators explained.
