Promoting active citizenship among young people requires more than providing access to information about the European Union or its values. For minors out of home—one of the key target groups of the EURHOPE project—participation is often limited not only by structural barriers, but also by a lack of personal and social competences. In this context, emotional intelligence becomes a crucial tool to foster real empowerment and meaningful engagement.

Young people growing up outside their family environment frequently experience situations of instability, uncertainty, or reduced access to supportive relationships. These factors can affect their confidence, communication skills, and ability to engage with others. As a result, even when opportunities for participation are offered, they may struggle to take an active role. Emotional intelligence helps bridge this gap by strengthening self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal understanding.

From the experience of organisations working in training and personal development in Spain, emotional competences are essential to support minors in understanding their own reactions, building trust, and interacting in group settings. These are fundamental conditions for participation. Before being able to express an opinion, engage in a discussion, or contribute to a collective activity, young people need to feel safe, recognised, and capable.

In the framework of EURHOPE, emotional intelligence is closely linked to the development of life skills that enable young people to approach socio-political content and civic issues in a more conscious and reflective way. Understanding emotions allows them to interpret information critically, recognise different perspectives, and manage disagreement without withdrawing or reacting impulsively. This is particularly relevant in discussions related to European values, rights, and social challenges.

Decision-making is another key aspect where emotional intelligence plays a central role. For minors out of home, opportunities to make autonomous decisions are often limited or conditioned by their circumstances. Strengthening emotional awareness supports a transition from passive or reactive behaviours toward more intentional choices. This includes not only personal decisions, but also the ability to position themselves in relation to social and civic issues.

Through non-formal education methodologies, such as group discussions, role-playing, and experiential activities, young people can develop these competences in a practical and engaging way. Within EURHOPE, these approaches are used to create spaces where minors can explore their ideas, express their views, and gradually build their own vision of Europe. Emotional intelligence acts here as an enabling factor, making participation more accessible and meaningful.

In the Spanish context, combining emotional education with civic engagement has proven particularly effective when working with vulnerable youth. When young people feel understood and supported, their level of involvement increases significantly. They become more open to dialogue, more willing to share their perspectives, and more capable of engaging with complex topics.

At a broader European level, this approach contributes to a more inclusive understanding of citizenship. Active participation should not be limited to those who already possess the necessary skills and confidence. Instead, it should be supported through targeted actions that address both external barriers and internal capacities.

In this sense, EURHOPE represents an important step forward. By integrating emotional intelligence into activities focused on EU awareness and civic participation, the project creates the conditions for minors out of home to not only receive information, but to actively engage with it. Empowerment, therefore, is not understood as an abstract concept, but as a gradual process through which young people gain the confidence, skills, and motivation to take part in society.

Ultimately, strengthening emotional intelligence means enabling young people to recognise their own voice and to use it. In the context of EURHOPE, this is essential to ensure that no young person is left behind in the construction of a more inclusive and participatory Europe.