The VETprep project seeks to understand and address the challenges in Vocational Education and Training (VET) related to student identification, participation, and retention across various European contexts, focusing on students from diverse backgrounds. It examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector and explores policies and strategies in Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Scotland, and Spain through comparative studies. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach and mixed methods, the project investigates factors affecting VET student engagement, including demographics and socio-economic backgrounds, by analyzing longitudinal data and conducting in-depth interviews with selected students. This research aims to provide insights into young people's educational paths in post-pandemic Europe, highlighting differences in socio-economic status and educational aspirations, as well as differences between the pre- and post-pandemic cohorts. VETprep’s combination of generalized knowledge and individual narratives will offer a nuanced picture of Youths in the post-pandemic Europe. Furthermore, with a comparative focus on differences across the European Countries and across different young people according to socioeconomic status, academic achievements, etc., we get the opportunity to understand both the consequences and relevant actions in the light of individual differences and varying societal, political, and educational frameworks in the five European countries. The project aims to help policymakers and other stakeholders (a) meet their obligations under the EPSR (everyone has the right to quality and inclusive education, training and lifelong learning, including reducing the NEET rate to 9% by 2030) (b) implement the Council Recommendation on VET for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (c) meet the goals of Pathways to School Success, including reducing Early Leaving from Education (d) meet UN SDGs 4, 8, 9 & 10.

WoodVALOR adopts a circular approach by using contaminated wood as a sustainable feedstock to produce paints, coatings, and biochar, showcasing innovative waste valorization. The process converts low-value material into high-performance products while contributing to environmental restoration. The project compares advanced decontamination and fractionation methods with traditional pulping processes. Acrylic acid is produced from the wood's cellulose fraction through the lactic acid route, while fatty acids are obtained via yeast fermentation, ensuring resource efficiency and aligning with circular economy principles. The hemicellulose fraction is transformed into bio-based binders for coatings, reducing reliance on petroleum-derived alternatives. These binders are made more hydrophobic and durable by grafting acrylic acid and fatty acids onto the hemicellulose, enhancing water resistance and longevity. Lignin, often considered a byproduct, is repurposed to produce phenolics, which are grafted onto hemicellulose to further improve the coatings' properties. These coatings are then applied to wood surfaces, creating a closed-loop system where contaminated wood becomes protective material for other wood products. Biochar, produced from process residues, serves two functions. It is used for bioremediation of contaminated soils and in mineral recovery from contaminated wood. The recovered minerals can be reintegrated into coatings, closing another resource loop. By converting contaminated wood into materials that protect wood surfaces and treat soils, WoodVALOR highlights circularity. This approach minimizes waste, promotes resource recovery, and supports environmental health and material efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable EU industry and addressing the major challenges associated with contaminated wood waste.