The annual “Europe Challenge” initiative returns for 2024, uniting libraries and communities across Europe to address critical issues such as social isolation, inequality, misinformation, and climate crises. Established in 2020 by the European Cultural Foundation (), this program has already backed 39 initiatives, highlighting the essential role of libraries as centres for inclusion and active engagement. The 2024 edition offers participants a range of workshops, mentoring sessions, exchange opportunities, and funding up to €10,000.

A key event for this edition is the summit “If Librarians Ran Europe” which will take place in Amsterdam on September 26, 2024. This important gathering will bring together 57 teams from 24 countries (), each working on innovative solutions for their communities.

The importance of the Europe Challenge is that it turns libraries into authentic community hubs, ensuring that everyone can access culture and information. The stories of the winners from the writing contest “How A Library Changed My Life”, selected from nearly 300 entries, illustrate the change and resilience that libraries can inspire.

During the summit, the publication “How Libraries Survive Thrive – A Guide for Libraries in Europe” will also be launched, exploring the transformative impact of libraries in European communities. This guide includes conversations and stories showing how libraries can face modern challenges and help create a sense of belonging.

In a time when inclusivity and accessibility are more important than ever, the Europe Challenge shows how culture and community can work together to address the issues of our time, the same purpose for which the TOMATO project was created: to guarantee fair access and inclusive services for all young visitors to European museums.

With the support of the European Cultural Foundation and its partners, the program continues to inspire meaningful change and promote a fairer and more inclusive future across Europe.