The Libertas Bootcamp 2026 is a four-day international training in Brussels, Belgium created to empower young Europeans (18–35) to strengthen their writing, media literacy, and advocacy skills.

The training will take place from Thursday, June 18th (morning. Arrival Wednesday June 17th possible), until Sunday June 21st (afternoon). All participants are expected to join the full duration of this training.

By joining this programme, you can expect the following outcomes:

- Stronger Rights Awareness and Advocacy Skills: Through hands-on workshops with writers, journalists and trainers, participants will develop research, fact-checking, political writing, and storytelling skills.

- Advanced Critical Media Literacy: You will develop the ability to critically analyse news, detect bias and misinformation, and understand how media narratives shape human rights debates.

- Published Personal Contribution: You will produce and share one original short written piece (blog post or article) on a rights-related topic or personal experience. 

Through hands-on workshops with writers, journalists and trainers, participants will develop research, fact-checking, political writing, and storytelling skills.

Practical information: Accommodation and meals will be covered for selected participants for the full duration of the training. Travel costs will be partially reimbursed after the event through a Travel Reimbursement Form.

Selected participants will be notified in early April. Please refrain from booking travel arrangements until you receive formal confirmation of your registration.

Deadline to apply:  27 March 2026     

Application form

Venue

ALDE Party Office Brussels, Rue d’Idalie 11-13, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium.

Program

Day 1 – Thursday, 18 June

Theme: Setting the Stage – Liberal Storytelling in Action

Morning

• Arrival and Registration (09:30–10:30)

​Welcome, coffee, networking, and introductions.

• Opening Remarks (10:30–11:00)

​By the LYMEC Secretary General and Main Trainer.

• Session 1: What Makes a Liberal Story? (11:00–12:30)

​Framing political storytelling within liberal values: freedom, rights, and reason.

Afternoon

• Session 2: From Idea to Article – Shaping Editorial Agendas (14:00–16:00)

​Identifying relevant, fact-based stories in EU politics and youth engagement.

• Session 3: Workshop: Defining Your Voice and Audience (16:15–17:45). Interactive exercises on tone, purpose, and clarity in liberal communication.

Day 2 – Friday, 19 June

Theme: Research, Evidence, and Fact-Checking

Morning

• Session 4: Working with Sources – Facts, Data, and Verification (09:30–11:00)

​Training on reliable sourcing, transparency, and avoiding misinformation.

• Session 5: Workshop: Investigative Skills for Young Writers (11:15–12:45)

​Case studies on how to structure fact-based liberal arguments.

Afternoon

• Session 6: Fact-Checking Simulation Exercise (14:00–16:30)

​Group activity: verify claims, cross-check data, and write a short verified piece.

• Debrief and Feedback Roundtable (16:30–17:30)

​Review and feedback from trainers.

Evening

• Group Visit: Press Club Brussels Europe (18:30–20:00) TBC

​Insights on European journalism ecosystems and media freedom.

Day 3 – Saturday, 20 June

Theme: Writing, Editing, and Persuasion

Morning

• Session 7: Crafting a Persuasive Argument (09:30–11:00)

​Building logical, evidence-based arguments reflecting liberal values.

• Session 8: Writing Lab I – Structuring an Article (11:15–12:45)

​Practical drafting of outlines and lead paragraphs with mentoring.

Afternoon

• Session 9: Editing for Clarity and Impact (14:00–16:00)

​Techniques for concise writing, readability, and editorial standards.

• Session 10: Peer Review and Coaching Circles (16:15–17:45)

​Participants exchange drafts, provide peer feedback, and refine their texts.

Evening

• Cultural Activity & Dinner (19:00–21:30)

Day 4 – Sunday, 21 June

Theme: Publishing, Ethics, and Next Steps

Morning

• Session 11: Freedom of Expression & Human Rights in Journalism (09:30–11:00)

​Discussion with an expert on ethical reporting and rights

protection.

• Session 12: Writing Lab II – Finalising Your Piece (11:15–13:00)

​Individual mentoring to finalise articles for publication

Afternoon

• Session 13: Editorial Roundtable – From Bootcamp to Network (14:00–15:30)

​Discussion on sustaining collaboration and planning for the future.

• Closing Session & Certificate Ceremony (15:30–16:00)

​Wrap-up, evaluation, and presentation of certificates.

Departure (after 16:00)

Application form

With funding from the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe