The European Union is built on a common set of values that guide cooperation between its Member States and shape many European programmes. These values also provide a useful foundation for youth projects seeking to create positive social impact. 

The six core values are: 

• Human dignity – respecting the worth and dignity of every person. 
• Freedom – protecting freedom of thought, expression, and participation. 
• Democracy – encouraging active participation and inclusive decision-making. 
• Equality – promoting equal opportunities and challenging discrimination. 
• The rule of law – ensuring fairness, accountability, and respect for agreed rules. 
• Human rights – protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people. 

If your project applies for European funding or works with international partners, these values should not simply appear in your application — they should be reflected in the way your team works and makes decisions. 

Some Web3 projects also aim to support principles that align with these values. For example, transparent record-keeping can strengthen accountability, community governance may encourage participation, and open-source technologies can support collaboration and innovation. 

However, technology alone does not guarantee democracy, fairness, or respect for human rights. These depend on the choices people make when designing and managing their projects.