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10-13.11. 2025 Annual Training and Refresher Seminar for the Italian Eurodesk National Network

The annual coordination, information, update and training meeting of the Italian Eurodesk network was held again this year. As always, Eurodesk - Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice was also present, with its representative Francesca Vianello.

The meeting was held at the "Il Pertini" Cultural Centre (Piazza Natale Confalonieri, 3 - Cinisello Balsamo, Milan) and was organised with the support of the Municipality of Cinisello Balsamo, which hosts the Eurodesk Centre of the same city.

The seminars of the Italian Eurodesk national network have always been characterised by providing the necessary continuous training to operators working at helpdesks throughout the country and, at the same time, allowing for the evaluation of the impact of their work. They are also an opportunity to explore specific issues and to enhance one's network of contacts within the network. In fact, the annual seminars have always been a great opportunity for mutual understanding, discussion and planning of joint activities with those responsible for the Erasmus+ programme and, over time, with representatives of the Italian National Agencies for the programme and other national/regional structures with which Eurodesk collaborates.

The Training and Refresher Seminar began on the afternoon of Monday 10 November. After introducing the participants and the programme, Eurodesk's prospects and plans for 2026 in Italy and Europe were presented. At the end of the first day, certificates were awarded to Local Points that had reached 10/20 years of membership of the Eurodesk network, and Italian projects that had achieved the highest rankings among the non-winners at the Eurodesk Awards 2025 were recognised. Finally, Eurodesk Mobility Advisor 2026 plaques were awarded to representatives who had achieved the 2025 refresher credit target, including Francesca Vianello, head of Eurodesk - Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice. 'Eurodesk Mobility Advisor' is a European term used to refer to a qualified and trained local representative within the Eurodesk network who provides information and guidance on mobility opportunities for young people.

On 11 November, Eurodesk representatives took part in an activity aimed at creating a Eurodesk handbook on how to guide young people towards mobility opportunities and support them in their personal and professional growth. The guide was designed as a dynamic document that not only provides practical information but also inspires young people to undertake mobility experiences, drawing on personal stories, benefits and growth opportunities that such experiences can offer.

The day of 12 November featured a public event entitled “Innovating information for young people: towards more accessible, inclusive and digital services”, which addressed, with expert contributions and testimonials, issues related to the transformation of the information needs of the younger generations, the crucial role of the Youth Information Worker and the effective use of digital technologies in information services.
In the afternoon session, the Italian Youth Agency conducted an activity on the training resources provided by the Erasmus and ESC programme support structures to support the professional role of the Youth Information Worker. Subsequently, INAPP (Erasmus+ Education and Vocational Training Agency) and INDIRE (Erasmus+ Higher Education, School Education and Adult Education Agency) updated us on the activities carried out in the territory, on information needs and possible joint activities.

The Training and Refresher Seminar concluded on 13 November. It was an opportunity to hear about the experiences of Eurodesk Centres that have distinguished themselves in activities and projects for young people. Finally, ample space was given to evaluation and in-depth analysis.