POWER2YOUTH aimed at offering a comprehensive multi-level, interdisciplinary and gender-sensitive approach to the understanding of youth in the SEM region with a cross-national comparative design (case studies of Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Turkey). In particular, it explored the root causes of youth exclusion at three different levels of analysis (macro, meso and micro), while also investigating the role of youth collective and individual agency in challenging different forms of power. To enlarge the comparative perspective, two experiences of socio-economic transformation in Europe (Ireland and Greece) and beyond (Brazil) are also examined.

The project applied an integrated innovative methodology, merging quantitative and qualitative tools, and was organized in nine Work Packages.

WP1 prepared the conceptual and methodological framework that informed the overall research project and research. 

WP2 analysed the MACRO institutional/policy factors of youth exclusion in the SEM country case studies.

WP3 analysed the MESO organizational factors of youth exclusion and the prospects for youth collective transformative agency in the SEM country case studies.

WP4 analysed the MICRO individual factors of youth exclusion and the prospects for youth individual transformative agency in the SEM country case studies.

WP5 looked at other experiences of socio-economic transformation in Europe (Ireland and Greece) and in one extra-European case (Brazil), with a view to assessing their applicability and relevance for the challenges facing the SEM region in relation to youth.

WP6 offered a comprehensive multi-level, interdisciplinary and gender-sensitive concluding analysis of youth exclusion and of the prospects for youth-led change in the SEM region, combining the research outcomes of previous WPs.

WP7 tackled the policy dimension of the project by proposing recommendations at the national and supranational levels that address the causes and problems of youth exclusion and create opportunities for youth empowerment.

WP8 was responsible for dissemination, while WP9 ensured coordination and management of the project.