“Block the Hatred, Share the Love 2.0” closing residential training in Venice

From March 18–20, 2026, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) participated in a high-level seminar in Venice titled “Block the Hatred, Share the Love 2.0”. Organized under the Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye and the Partnership for Good Governance, the program was co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe. 

Over three days, YEAs from the We Balkans and EU Neighbours East teams collaborated with students from Ca’ Foscari University to explore European standards on non-discrimination and develop practical counter-narratives to hate speech.

Results Achieved:

• Institutional Knowledge: Gained insights into International and European standards on equality from experts at Ca’ Foscari University and the Council of Europe.
• Narrative Analysis: Identified and analyzed underlying prejudices and rumors within existing communication projects to improve messaging effectiveness.
• Practical Application: Developed narrative-building skills through persuasion theories and hands-on “diversity” output creation.
• Community Engagement: Implemented a direct communication and awareness-raising activity within local Venice neighborhoods.
• Cross-Regional Synergy: Facilitated a unique “YEA’s take on EU!” exchange between the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership chapters.

Target Audience:

Students from Ca’ Foscari University and local youth engaged through the COGES don Lorenzo Milani Youth Centre in Mestre.

YEAs Involved:

10

Cooperation:

• Council of Europe (COE): Anti-discrimination Cooperation Unit and the Venice Office.
• Academic/Local Partners: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and COGES don Lorenzo Milani.