Programme: EUROPE FOR CITIZENS
Sub-programme: Strand2: Democratic engagement and civic participation
Citizens' Forums for United Europe (eUnited)
General information
17 events have been carried out within this project:
Event 1
Preparatory activity in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Participation: The event involved 12 citizens, including 4 participants from Bulgaria, 2 participants from Spain, 2 participantс from Poland, 2 participants from Greece, 1 participant from Germany, 1 participant from Italy.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, from 08/09/2020 to 10/09/2020
Short description: The event was strictly dedicated to project management and activities planning. The discussions were on the following topics:
- Update following COVID-19 outbreak
- Partnership Agreement
- Planning of activities
- Project prolongation
- Other pressing matters
Event 2
Regional event in Valladolid, Spain
Participation: The event involved 34 citizens, from Spain.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Valladolid, Spain, on 09/092021
Short description: The aim of the event was for citizens to debate on the demographic and social challenges, and they drafted some recommendations to share the youth point of view on the possible solutions and measures the EU could undertake.
Event 3
Local event in Laguna de Duero, Spain
Participation: The event involved 29 citizens, from Spain.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Laguna de Duero, Spain, on 25/06/2021
Short description: The aim of the event was to gather citizens to discuss the demographic and social challenges in the region and reflect on what the EU means for them.
The event was focused on gathering mainly rural people and elderly citizens, so to collect their point of view on the topic of demography and society, and the challenges that Europe faces. Each one wrote some recommendations and posted on the eUnited wall. Additionally, the participants explored the Citizens’ App of the European Commission and took a Quiz to learn more about the European Union.
Event 4
International event in Madrid, Spain (Main event in Spain)
Participation: The event involved 20 citizens, including 3 participants from Bulgaria, 3 participants from Greece, 6 participants from Spain, 2 participants from Germany, 3 participants from Italy, 3 participants from Poland.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Madrid, Spain, from 02/09/2021 to 04/09/2021
Short description: The aim of the event was the Citizens' Forum on European demography, society and culture. It was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Spain, with the online participation of the European Citizenship Point in Spain. Findings from the research on the effects of the demographic change in the EU societies were presented by all eUnited partners, highlighting its specific country demography, society and culture.
Artistic performance from Spain demonstrated the folklore and especially the gaita in a multicultural perspective. Additionally, coordination meeting of the partners took place after the Forum’s celebration, and team building activity completed the international event.
Event 5
Local event in Schónbrunn, Germany
Participation: The event involved 30 citizens, from Germany.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Schónbrunn, Germany, on 24/09/2021
Short description: The aim of the event was to discuss the various aspects of digitalisation. To start with, the term and the meaning of digitalisation were explained and presented. A study conducted at the school on digitalisation in the education system was then evaluated. The students were able to expand their understanding of the topic and gave impulses that were taken into account at the conference in Berlin in December (Individual teacher preferences often decide on the use of media; Differences between subjects (especially science classrooms are better equipped); In the schools - Good basic digital basic equipment, but partly outdated or not usable; The schools are sensitised to digital content would like to see more integration in the classroom).
Event 6
International event in Sassari, Italy (Main event in Italy)
Participation: The event involved 32 citizens, including 15 participants from Italy, 4 participants from Germany, 3 participants from Poland, 3 participants from Bulgaria, 3 participants from Greece, 2 participants from Spain, 1 participant from Netherlands, 1 participant from South Africa.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Sassari, Italy, from 28/10/2021 to 30/10/2021
Short description: The aim of the event was to summarise the progress made in the 6 Member States (Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Germany, Spain and Italy) on the White Paper on the Future of Europe, launched by the EC in 2017, to analyse the strengths and weaknesses in the local/regional policies and develop suggestions for the final Citizens 'Europe e-Paper, focusing on the opportunities for better EU future, suggested by citizens during the event.
Event 7
International event in Berlin, Germany (Main event in Germany)
Participation: The event involved 33 citizens, including 5 participants from Bulgaria, 2 participants from Greece, 8 participants from Spain, 10 participants from Germany, 3 participants from Italy, 4 participants from Poland, 1 participant from UK.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Berlin, Germany, from 02/12/2021 to 04/12/2021
Short description: The aim of the event was digitalisation in the European Union. The international partners presented various digitisation processes in their countries of origin. The fields of application discussed were, for example, public and municipal administration, the health system, the education system, agriculture and the economy. In the subsequent open part, the participants discussed the contents and exchanged opinions on advantages and disadvantages. The central advantages were perceived to be the increase in efficiency in administrative processes of hospitals, schools and city halls. There was a critical discussion on the topic of data protection.
During the project, the international partners and the local population were able to exchange with each other. This led to an understanding on an international level, which actively and directly contributes to European understanding and integration. Individually, the participants of the conference were able to expand their expertise on digitalisation at the European level. New highlights, perspectives and suggestions for their own development were given.
Event 8
International event in Kozani, Greece (Main event in Greece)
Short description: The aim of the event was to meet and discuss topics such as: Trends and concerns in European public opinion regarding security challenges in Europe, necessary resources to effectively prevent and counter asymmetric threats, public awareness of European security and defence policies and migration management, social cohesion and solidarity between EU member states. After the event, a case study at a migration office was carried out, in order to present the work done at regional level in the security area, including cybercrime. During this activity, the participants had the opportunity to interact with the asylum seekers who are accommodated, to tour the offices of the migration office and to discuss with the employees both the difficulties faced by the asylum seekers and their daily life in the Structure.
Event 9
Regional event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Participation: The event involved 33 citizens, from Bulgaria.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, on 27/04/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was to discuss on the importance of the democracy as a key pillar for sustainable societies.
During the event, was drawn the importance of the rule of law and the active citizenship. A special panel was dedicated on the European institution and the process of decision-making. They were involved in the work of the European Parliament, its constitution (political groups, parliamentary committees, etc.) and, mainly, its powers in terms of decisions and protection of civil rights and citizens in the European Union.
Event 10
Regional event in Sassari, Italy
Participation: The event involved 25 citizens, including 5 participants from Spain, 5 participants from Italy, 5 participants from Romania, 4 participants from Bulgaria, 6 participants from Turkey.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Sassari, Italy, from 27/04/2022 to 28/04/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was to tackle the issues of discrimination. The participants were divided into groups of 4 people and asked to search for hate speech on social networks and reflect on why they chose them, why they are discriminatory comments, and how to respond, also on the basis of the notions learned during the workshop.
Event 11
International event in Warsaw, Poland (Main event in Poland)
Participation: The event involved 105 citizens, including 87 participants from Poland, 6 participants from Germany, 4 participants from Greece, 3 participants from Bulgaria, 3 participants from Italy, 2 participants from Spain.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Warsaw, Poland, from 05/05/2022 to 07/05/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was the future of the European Union, including the challenges it will face in the nearest future and how it can become more competitive. The aim was to increase the participants' knowledge and awareness of the challenges in the modern Europe and to develop a common perspective and possible solutions. An important element was to learn about the different points of view and differences in the approach of representatives of hosted countries.
The meeting was an opportunity to talk together about the current situation in Europe and the challenges it faces. We talked about safety, activities in the field of environmental protection, migration issues and local government issues.
On the second day of the meeting, the participants took part in educational activities in the „European Town” during the celebration of Europe Day in Łazienki Królewskie Park in Warsaw. There were, among others, present in the Miasteczko representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament as well as experts from other social organizations with whom the participants held individual talks.
Event 12
Regional event in Suhl, Germany
Participation: The event involved 19 citizens, including 15 participants from Germany, 1 participant from Bulgaria, 1 participant from Hungary, 1 participant from Moldova, 1 participant from Russia.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Suhl, Germany, on 10/06/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was the current digital challenges for the citizens in Europe and reflected on what the EU means for them. During the meeting were presented the recommendations of the young people from the region, who participated in the first local and regional event in October 2021 and the results of the conferences and seminars in all partner countries. The event gathered representatives from the social institutions from Suhl, Zella- Mehlis and Hildburghausen.
Event 13
Local event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Participation: The event involved 60 citizens, from Bulgaria.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, on 19/05/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was to discuss on the topic of digitalisation and the digital reform that is part of our daily activities.
The city of Stara Zagora has been trying to become a digital hub in Bulgaria, where through education investments will be attracted for starting innovative companies in the IT sector. There is a clear will from local community and stakeholders to develop an ecosystem giving young people the opportunity to stay in Stara Zagora and to start a specialised education as early as high school and continue to the local Trakia University to obtain a Bachelor degree. This creates opportunities for young people to follow a career path in the IT sector. At the same time, it is an opportunity to keep young people in the area and to even attract others from different parts of the country.
Event 14
Local event in Sassari, Italy
Participation: The event involved 26 citizens, including 10 participants from Romania, 9 participants from Bulgaria, 7 participants from Italy.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Sassari, Italy, from 15/06/2022 to 16/06/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was to discuss about the main findings during the main international events that are part of the project. The topics covered during this event were: Competitive Europe in Poland, Migration & Security in Greece, Demography and Society in Spain, EU Communication in Italy, Digitalization in Germany, Climate Change & Environment in Bulgaria.
Event 15
International event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria (Main event in Bulgaria)
Participation: The event involved 73 citizens, including 54 participants from Bulgaria, 4 participants from Greece, 7 participants from Spain, 3 participants from Germany, 3 participants from Italy, 2 participants from Poland.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, from 30/06/2022 to 02/07/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was to organise the final international event of the eUnited project – the Final Conference on Climate Change and Environment. It involved 73 participants from 6 countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain). A pool of interesting speakers from the Ministry of Environment and Waters, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and WWF Bulgaria.
During the workshop of the Final Conference on 01/07/2022 youth participants has agreed that there is potential solution on 3 different levels and have suggested as follows:
On worldwide level:
- Invest in Hydrogen based energy sources and infrastructure
- Limiting single-use plastic and replace with alternative resources
- Limiting trade with environment harmful countries, through higher taxes or installing quotas
- Creating a network of ecological schools in all countries across the globe, adapted to all age groups of the population
On EU level:
- EU to have exclusive competences in the field of environmental policies
- Investment in train network across EU through GHG emissions quota paid by commercial and cargo airlines (including by private jet owners)
- One-day Second-hand share market across Europe
- EU wide network of recycling machines for plastic and glass bottles
On regional level:
- Promoting short supply chains, local products and urban agriculture
- Integration of public composters along with separate waste collection
- Alert system for local climate anomalies (such as air pollution, floods, etc.)
Promoting local initiative for recycling, such as “Trash for books”
Event 16
Local event in Sassari, Italy
Participation: The event involved 15 citizens, including 6 participants from Italy, 3 participants from Romania, 3 participants from Slovakia, 3 participants from Estonia.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Sassari, Italy, on 10/07/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was to provoke a conversation between the participants and the facilitator, and many times the facilitator opened a discussion on issues that were important. Participants worked in groups by brainstorming on EU citizens’ involvement and then the facilitator opened the discussion on these issues.
At the end of the day the evaluation was done and from the feedback received from the participants it turned out that they liked the activities and had gained important knowledge and skills for them.
Event 17
Local event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Participation: The event involved 15 citizens, from Bulgaria.
Location / Dates: The event took place in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, on 27/07/2022
Short description: The aim of the event was to discuss climate a change and youth involvement.
As a focal point of discussion were taken the conclusions and suggestions drawn in the final international event – the Conference in Bulgaria on 1st of July. A special attention was drawn on different tools that could be used by young people to share their opinion and to seek likeminded people among their peers. The most largely known initiatives on EU level have been promoted, including the European Solidarity Corps among others.
Some of the young people shared their ideas on how they could change the narrative. Some of the suggestions were for a guided training on the importance of water, an independent pool of young climate journalists, etc.
Activities
8-10 September 2020
Preparatory activity in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
On the 9th of September 2020, in Stara Zagora Bulgaria was held the first meeting of the project consortium. Due to the lasting pandemic situation, the event was hybrid, most of the partners were present onsite, but there were some who were online. A total of 12 participants were involved in the meeting.
The meeting was strictly dedicated to project management and activities planning. The discussions were on the following topics:
- Update following COVID-19 outbreak
- Partnership Agreement
- Planning of activities
- Project prolongation
- Other pressing matters
A total of 16 events were held during the project implementation phase
9 May 2021
Regional event in Valladolid, Spain
Alpha Centre performed several activities, as exposition on the Robert Schuman declaration, freeze mob with secondary and university students, and Active Citizens for United Europe sport local championship. More than 50 citizens from 10 to 70 years old visited the exposition and enjoyed the Europe’s Day celebration.
In the forum on the project topic took part 34 participants from Spain, who debated on the demographic and social challenges and drafted some recommendations to share the youth point of view on the possible solutions and measures the EC could undertake.
25 June 2021
Local event in Laguna de Duero, Spain
Alpha Centre celebrated 2nd local event in the frame of the eUnited project in June 2021. 29 Spanish citizens from all ages gathered in Laguna de Duero (Spain) to discuss the demographic and social challenges in the region and reflect on what the EU means for them.
The event was focused on gathering mainly rural people and elderly citizens, so to collect their point of view on the topic of demography and society, and the challenges that Europe faces.
Each one wrote some recommendations and posted on the eUnited wall. Additionally, the participants explored the Citizens’ App of the European Commission and took a Quiz to learn more about the European Union.
2-4 September 2021
International event in Madrid, Spain
Alpha Centre welcomed international guests to the Citizens' Forum on European demography, society and culture. The event was celebrated on 3rd September 2021 in Madrid, Spain with 20 international participants from the 6 partner countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain), mainly social workers.
The international Forum was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Spain, with the online participation of the European Citizenship Point in Spain. Findings from the research on the effects of the demographic change in the EU societies were presented by all eUnited partners, highlighting its specific country demography, society and culture.
Artistic performance from Spain demonstrated the folklore and especially the gaita in a multicultural perspective.
Additionally, coordination meeting of the partners took place after the Forum’s celebration, and team building activity completed the international event.
Special poster was printed for the event’s promotion, and T-shirts were produced to be delivered to all participants. The Representation Office of the European Commission in Spain delivered some pens, pins and other materials to the participants.
Alpha Centre counted on collaboration of the Community of Madrid, NGOs from the region and Hostal Persal, providing the hall for celebration of the activity.
24 September 2021
Local event in Schónbrunn, Germany
Already in September 2021, an event on the topic of digitalisation was held at the Regelschule Schönbrunn in Thuringia. 30 German students from the region took part in the event. Various aspects of digitalisation were presented at the event. (Individual teacher preferences often decide on the use of media; Differences between subjects (especially science classrooms are better equipped); In the schools - Good basic digital basic equipment, but partly outdated or not usable; The schools are sensitised to digital content would like to see more integration in the classroom). To start with, the term and the meaning of digitalisation were explained and presented. A study conducted at the school on digitalisation in the education system was then evaluated. The students were able to expand their understanding of the topic and gave impulses that were taken into account at the conference in Berlin in December.
28-30 October 2021
International event in Sassari, Italy
The international event in Italy was held on the island of Sardinia in Sassari. It involved 28 participants from 6 countries - Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and UK. The main topics of the event was on Better EU Communication.
The objective was to summarise the progress made in the 6 Member States (Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Germany, Spain and Italy) on the White Paper on the Future of Europe, launched by the EC in 2017, to analyse the strengths and weaknesses in the local/regional policies and develop suggestions for the final Citizens 'Europe e-Paper, focusing on the opportunities for better EU future, suggested by citizens during the event.
2-4 December 2021
International event in Berlin, Germany
As part of the EUnited project series, a citizens' forum was organised in the German capital Berlin from 02.12.2021 to 04.12.2021 to bring the local population into exchange with Europeans. The project was organised by the non-profit association BIDA Kultur und Bildung e.V., which has its headquarters in the Thuringian city of Suhl. 33 participants from 7 countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and UK) were involved in the event.
The Citizens' Forum was opened in the conference room "Alexanderplatz" by Bistra Choleva, the chairperson of BIDA Kultur und Bildung e.V.. The forum is one of many forums in a series of projects organised throughout the EU. In addition to the international project partners, local guests from Berlin and other interested citizens from other regions of Germany were also present. After the opening, the international project partners briefly presented their organisations and associations and their activities. The central topic of the forum was digitalisation in the European Union. The international partners presented various digitisation processes in their countries of origin. The fields of application discussed were, for example, public and municipal administration, the health system, the education system, agriculture and the economy. In the subsequent open part, the participants discussed the contents and exchanged opinions on advantages and disadvantages. The central advantages were perceived to be the increase in efficiency in administrative processes of hospitals, schools and city halls. There was a critical discussion on the topic of data protection. The citizens' forum was closed by the chairperson of the association with a few words about the rest of the day.
During the project, the international partners and the local population were able to exchange with each other. This led to an understanding on an international level, which actively and directly contributes to European understanding and integration. Individually, the participants of the conference were able to expand their expertise on digitalisation at the European level. New highlights, perspectives and suggestions for their own development were given. The language skills of the participants were also improved; communication between the participants took place to a very large extent in English.
17-19 March 2022
Kozani, Greece
In Greece, the international event took place at the LGA-WM offices on March 18, 2022, in which young people from 18-30 years old participated. A total of 136 participants were involved, both online and onsite, from 6 different countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain). The event was also broadcasted via live streaming on YouTube and thus was given the opportunity for remote participation.
The participants had the opportunity to meet and discuss topics such as: Trends and concerns in European public opinion regarding security challenges in Europe, necessary resources to effectively prevent and counter asymmetric threats, public awareness of European security and defence policies and migration management, social cohesion and solidarity between EU member states. After the event, a case study at a migration office was carried out, in order to present the work done at regional level in the security area, including cybercrime. During this activity, the participants had the opportunity to interact with the asylum seekers who are accommodated, to tour the offices of the migration office and to discuss with the employees both the difficulties faced by the asylum seekers and their daily life in the Structure. All the participants received souvenir gifts (local products from the wider area) on behalf of LGA-WM and after their visit, they received a certificate of attendance.
5-7 May 2022
International event in Warsaw, Poland
The event was organized in the form of workshops, presentations and discussions for an international group – 105 participants from Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece and Spain (various ages: 18-55 years).
The main theme of the project was the future of the European Union, including the challenges it will face in the nearest future and how it can become more competitive. The aim was to increase the participants' knowledge and awareness of the challenges in the modern Europe and to develop a common perspective and possible solutions. An important element was to learn about the different points of view and differences in the approach of representatives of hosted countries.
The first part of the meeting was devoted primarily to the introduction and integration of participants, sharing their motivations, interests and expectations regarding the course and results of the meeting in Warsaw.
The meeting was an opportunity to talk together about the current situation in Europe and the challenges it faces. We talked about safety, activities in the field of environmental protection, migration issues and local government issues.
Before coming to Warsaw, the participants were asked to prepare short presentations in which, based on the example of their countries and perspectives, they could address the issue of challenges in Europe. As part of the workshops, the participants presented what they had managed to achieve, and then developed methods of problem solving and a creative approach to challenges in Europe.
On the second day of the meeting, the participants took part in educational activities in the „European Town” during the celebration of Europe Day in Łazienki Królewskie Park in Warsaw. There were, among others, present in the Miasteczko representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament as well as experts from other social organizations with whom the participants held individual talks.
The meeting ended with a joint summary in the form of a workshop, discussion and sharing of personal impressions and feelings. Evaluation of individual parts of the program was also carried out with the participants.
10 June 2022
Regional event in Suhl, Germany
On 10.06.2022 BIDA e. V. celebrated the 2nd regional event "Citizens' Forum on European Digitalisation" in the frame of the EUnited project, Programme Europe for Citizens. 20 representatives from the social institutions from Suhl, Zella- Mehlis and Hildburghausen (Jugendschmiede Jugendzentrum, TIBOR, wbm, Internationaler Bund, Hildburghäuser Bildungszentrum, unofficial.pictures e.V, Volkshochschule und Stadtjugendring) discussed about the current digital challenges for the citizens in Europe and reflected on what the EU means for them. During the meeting were presented the recommendations of the young people from the region, who participated in the first local and regional event in October 2021 and the results of the conferences and seminars in all partner countries.
27 April 2022
Regional event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
SZREDA team has organised the first local event in the scope of the eUnited project. 33 Bulgarian students discussed on the importance of the democracy as a key pillar for sustainable societies.
During the event, was drawn the importance of the rule of law and the active citizenship. A special panel was dedicated on the European institution and the process of decision-making. They were involved in the work of the European Parliament, its constitution (political groups, parliamentary committees, etc.) and, mainly, its powers in terms of decisions and protection of civil rights and citizens in the European Union.
27-28 April 2022
Regional event in Sassari, Italy
The event was held in Sassari and involved a total of 25 participants from 5 different countries (Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Spain and Turkey).
The activity started with a detailed presentation on the project and touching on the important points of it. The session was then continued with another activity, where participants were divided into groups of 4 people and asked to search for hate speech on social networks and reflect on why they chose them, why they are discriminatory comments, and how to respond, also on the basis of the notions learned during the workshop.
19 May 2022
Local event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
SZREDA has organised a second local event in Stara Zagora involving young people from different backgrounds. This one attracted 60 participants. The discussions were on the topic of digitalisation and the digital reform that is part of our daily activities.
The city of Stara Zagora has been trying to become a digital hub in Bulgaria, where through education investments will be attracted for starting innovative companies in the IT sector. There is a clear will from local community and stakeholders to develop an ecosystem giving young people the opportunity to stay in Stara Zagora and to start a specialised education as early as high school and continue to the local Trakia University to obtain a Bachelor degree. This creates opportunities for young people to follow a career path in the IT sector. At the same time, it is an opportunity to keep young people in the area and to even attract others from different parts of the country.
15-16 June 2022
Local event in Sassari, Italy
The activity took place in Sassari, Italy, involving a total of 26 participants from 3 different countries (Bulgaria, Italy and Romania).
In the first session of this event the trainer gave a detailed introduction to the project and opened the discussion on the topics that should touch during this event. Then continued with forums, debates and discussions on several different topics. The topics covered during this event were: Competitive Europe in Poland, Migration & Security in Greece, Demography and Society in Spain, EU Communication in Italy, Digitalization in Germany, Climate Change & Environment in Bulgaria.
30 June-2 July 2022
International event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
On the first day of July, SZREDA has organised the final international event of the eUnited project – the Final Conference on Climate Change and Environment. It involved 73 participants from 6 countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain). A pool of interesting speakers from the Ministry of Environment and Waters, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and WWF Bulgaria.
During the workshop of the Final Conference on 01/07/2022 youth participants has agreed that there is potential solution on 3 different levels and have suggested as follows:
On worldwide level
- Invest in Hydrogen based energy sources and infrastructure
- Limiting single-use plastic and replace with alternative resources
- Limiting trade with environment harmful countries, through higher taxes or installing quotas
- Creating a network of ecological schools in all countries across the globe, adapted to all age groups of the population
On EU level
- EU to have exclusive competences in the field of environmental policies
- Investment in train network across EU through GHG emissions quota paid by commercial and cargo airlines (including by private jet owners)
- One-day Second-hand share market across Europe
- EU wide network of recycling machines for plastic and glass bottles
On regional level
- Promoting short supply chains, local products and urban agriculture
- Integration of public composters along with separate waste collection
- Alert system for local climate anomalies (such as air pollution, floods, etc.)
- Promoting local initiative for recycling, such as “Trash for books”
10 July 2022
Local event in Sassari, Italy
The event took place in Sassari, Italy, involving a total of 15 participants from 4 different countries (Estonia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia).
The event started with a detailed presentation on the project which was accompanied by a conversation between the participants and the facilitator, and many times the facilitator opened a discussion on issues that were important. Participants worked in groups by brainstorming on EU citizens’ involvement and then the facilitator opened the discussion on these issues.
At the end of the day the evaluation was done and from the feedback received from the participants it turned out that they liked the activities and had gained important knowledge and skills for them.
27 July 2022
Local event in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
The final event of the project eUnited was held in Stara Zagora. It involved 15 Bulgarian participants, and the main topic of discussion was climate a change and youth involvement.
As a focal point of discussion were taken the conclusions and suggestions drawn in the final international event – the Conference in Bulgaria on 1st of July. A special attention was drawn on different tools that could be used by young people to share their opinion and to seek likeminded people among their peers. The most largely known initiatives on EU level have been promoted, including the European Solidarity Corps among others.
Some of the young people shared their ideas on how they could change the narrative. Some of the suggestions were for a guided training on the importance of water, an independent pool of young climate journalists, etc.
Description
Background
Europe is at a crossroads and needs to decide how it wants to tackle the challenges of today: the impact of new technologies on society and jobs, the climate change, migration and security concerns, the rise of populism. These are difficult times but Europe has always been able to adapt. The “Citizens' Forums for United Europe" project comes to support all EU initiatives in the next 5 years, aiming to respond better to the changing reality and to transform challenges into opportunities.
Our objective is to summarize the progress made in the 6 Member States (Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Germany, Spain, and Italy) on the White Paper on the Future of Europe, launched by the EC in 2017, to analyse the strengths and weaknesses in the local/regional policies and develop Citizens' Europe e-Paper, focusing on the opportunities for better EU future, suggested by citizens from 6 countries and different profiles, backgrounds and ages. Now, after the EU Parliament elections, the project partners consider necessary to provide the MEPs with recommendations raised by the citizens on their alternative visions for the future of Europe. Policy makers should listen to the voice of the people and demonstrate that citizens’ concerns are considered in the next strategic agenda.
The project will directly involve 620 citizens in forums, debates, and solidarity acts on the EU challenges, treating a special topic in each partner country: Competitive Europe in Poland, Migration & Security in Greece, Demography and Society in Spain, EU Communication in Italy, Digitalisation in Germany, Climate Change & Environment in Bulgaria. Approximately 6000 citizens will be reached indirectly through the project social media, awareness raising campaigns, video competition #unitedEurope on YouTube, local expositions, and street events.
We expect to engage people in the EU idea and empower them, so to be able to overcome internal differences and stand united to tackle the trials of our times.
Partnership
STARA ZAGORA REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SZREDA was established in 1995 with the support of the USAID. Initially serving as a liaison focused on strengthening communication between city governments and the business community, it soon attracted as members the municipalities, training centres and organisations, supporting the economic development of the region.
Members of the Agency are the city of Stara Zagora and its municipalities- Nikolaevo, Bratya Daskalovi, Gurkovo, Opan, Kazanlak and Radnevo- as well as Trakia University, the Bulgarian-German Training Center, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
SZREDA has worked on a number of programmes and projects, funded by the European Union, USAID, as well as on British, Canadian, and Italian bilateral programmes.
Since 2009 SZREDA is a host organisation of Europe Direct Information Centre, and its activities are dedicated to communicating the EU principles and policies to the general public and different local communities as students, teachers, local authorities, and entrepreneurs.
REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN MACEDONIA
LGA-WM represents 12 municipalities of the Western Macedonia Region covering a population of approximately 300.000 inhabitants. LGA-WM mission is to support and represent the municipalities of the Region for local& regional organisation, coordination, management, and exploitation of their resources. LGA-WM works towards fostering policies for encouraging innovation, regional growth, and the upgrading of public services for citizens. It also works towards developing decision making tools for policy makers fostering a technologically strong marketplace and developing and promoting economic growth within the region of Western Macedonia, Greece and widely within Europe, with emphasis to the Southeast part of the Continent. It supports new ways to motivate regional networks and clusters into implementing innovative ideas and policies. The institutional role is a result of the dynamic of LGA-WM to influence policies and strategies at all governance levels.
POLSKA FUNDACJA IM. ROBERTA SCHUMANA
Polska Fundacja im.R. Schumana (PFRS) is a non-governmental and non-political organisation. The Foundation's main aims are to encourage Polish citizens to actively participate, promote opportunities created by the Polish membership in the Community, foster the values of the European Union and to strengthen civil society in Poland. PFRS implements educational and civic programs, focusing on the following issues: European integration, active (EU) citizenship, societal engagement of citizens and promotion of democratic and civic values. The Foundation cooperates with a wide range of institutions within and outside the EU concentrating on promoting political and social initiatives focusing on the development of democracy. In this process, it supports cultural, scientific, and educational organisations that actively contribute to the development of closer bonds between Poland, EU institutions and other EU Member States, as well as the infrastructure of NGOs active in similar fields of work.
BIDA e.V.Kultur und Bildung
http://www.bida-kultur-bildung.com/
BIDA e.V. Kultur und Bildung is an organization with broad experience in adult education and training. The main goal is to promote youth and elderly care, art, culture, and education using interactive methods for socializing of various target groups. The organisation had implemented projects, showing new ways of communication, culture, and education, and has facilitated different activities aiming at the social integration of marginalized groups and groups at risk of social exclusion as immigrants, women victims of violence, unemployed, low-skilled adults, and refugees. BIDA e.V. purpose is to eliminate barriers and to increase opportunities for disadvantaged groups to access the community's life, the labor market and avoid discrimination. The organisation has carried out various European projects, coordinating the activities in the region of Thuringen, and gained experience in project management, and implementing YEs. BIDA network involves local, regional, and international organisations.
European Integration and Training Centre ALPHA
https://www.facebook.com/eucentrealpha/
EITC ALPHA is a non-profit association, working on the European integration process of institutions, civil society, and young people through promotion of civic education, human rights, and intercultural dialogue at the national level.
It has been recently founded by staff members with a rich experience in European Projects Management and coordination, quality assessment, trainings on projects' planning and implementation, and work with disadvantaged groups, as immigrants, early school leavers, unemployed, Roma people, and elderly citizens.
Some of the key activities implemented by EITC ALPHA are training and consulting in project management; sport, culture, and art activities; organisation of workshops, forums, conferences, exhibitions, and all kinds of dissemination events on topics related to European integration and development; research in social and educational fields in the framework of initiatives at local/national/international level; quality evaluation of projects and programmes.
MINE VAGANTI NGO
Mine Vaganti NGO is a non-profit organisation born in Sardinia in 2009, whose services encompass Education and Training, Project Design, Research, International Mobility and Consultancy. MVNGO has 4 offices in Sassari, Uri, Olbia and Tempio Pausania, covering the North of Sardinia and other branches in the rest of Italy.
MVNGO promotes intercultural dialogue, social and green entrepreneurship, social inclusion through Sport, Formal and Non-Formal Education, including disadvantaged targets as migrants and people with disabilities. MVNGO is part of 3 international networks such as VEE, ISCA and MV International.
MVNGO also developed partnership outside Sardinia, as with Provincia di Alessandria and Provincia di Trento. Many of the local authorities have provided the entity with the necessary logistical support (public transportation, special permissions, materials, or guided visits for guests), to allow the successful implementation of the events in the frame of the implemented projects.
Objectives
Objectives
The project's general objective is to contribute to the citizens' deeper understanding of the EU values, its history and diversity. Reflecting on the European citizenship identity through engaging in EU initiative people from different EU countries and regions, could help the citizens to understand better the Union policy making process and promote opportunities for societal and intercultural engagement and volunteering at Union level.
Considering the current economic and socio-political changes, the debates about migration and security in Europe, it becomes apparent that there is an increasing need to address the topics of civic engagement and social cohesion, and to further explore how solidarity and non-formal education can contribute to fostering these values in the society. The project will mainly target the young generation, which will further draw the future of the Union, based on the lessons from the past. The partners aim at improving the conditions for civic and democratic participation at Union level by giving primary role to the involvement of disadvantaged citizens (70%of all project participants), raising awareness on their inclusion as equal members of the EU society, and trying to find solutions to the daily challenges they face. The project events will gather experts, CSOs, vulnerable citizens' groups, public administrations, and young people to debate on topics of major social importance for Europe.
The eUnited project will also promote opportunities for societal and intercultural engagement and volunteering at Union level as young citizens' response to local crisis/challenging situations in different EU regions. Volunteering is a key aspect of the EU youth policy and its importance for the development of actions targeting young Europeans has been recognised in many EU legislative documents, papers, and other initiatives, as the ESC. The project will provide young people with an opportunity to express their personal commitment through voluntary activities within the 6 partner countries. This way they will be able to acquire new skills for their personal and professional development. In addition, this non-formal learning experience will facilitate the young people's transition from education to employment in more competitive, digital European market.
The project targets the multi-annual Programme's priority of Debating the future of Europe and challenging Euroscepticism, aiming to turn the criticism of the EU into a useful, constructive, and positive driver for European integration, bringing the EU closer to the citizens. Starting from research and analysis of the5 scenarios of the White Paper on the Future of Europe, the eUnited debates will focus on current trends and enable participants to challenge Euroscepticism and to suggest possible actions that the European Union could undertake to foster a sense of belonging to Europe, besides reaching out to citizens who reject or put in question the European Union and its achievements or remain indifferent.
Debates among relevant stakeholders will be initiated under the notion of suggesting common accepted solutions at local level and exchange of opinions at European level, intervening to influence politicians and policy makers to promote intercultural dialogue, to combat stigmatization of disadvantaged citizens and to foster tolerance and empathy, which in turn brings about more cohesive, democratic, forward-looking, and constructive Europe.
Approach
The methodological approach taken by eUnited to achieve the project's objectives aims to reflect on a new narrative for Europe, citizen-oriented, forward-looking, and constructive, that would be more engaging for the younger generation, relying on the experience and specific strengths of the project partners in the EU integration process.
The working methodology establishes an organic approach where the local and transnational debates will be in constant exchange and will nourish each other at the various stages of the project, while dissemination will ensure its success and sustainability. lt is based on participatory democracy principles, which are brought forward throughout all the planned events, encouraging mutual understanding, social inclusion, participatory citizenship and enhanced social interactions.
Investing and promoting active volunteering in EU context, the project will contribute to the development of shared identity for the Union's citizens, among the younger generation, as 77% of the directly involved participants will be under the age of 30.
The partners will recruit groups of 10-20 young people, targeting ESC members, to develop volunteering activities in 6 EU Member States. For the purpose, all partner organisations will adhere to the Charter of the European Solidarity Corps. Before each of the project events the local working, groups will make previous research on the topic, will study the local situation and its consequences at a larger EU scale. Partners will use different research methods (e.g., interviews, collection of photos and videos, street games, open discussions, archival& press research, etc.).
Each partner will host an international event where working groups from the partner countries will meet and debate on the research findings. The events will be attended by representatives of local communities, stakeholders, PAs, disadvantaged people, and young citizens, taking forms of round tables, seminars, forums, trainings, educational and cultural activities. The Polish and German events will commemorate the Europe Day in May 2020 and May 2021.The final International Conference in Bulgaria will summarise the project's overall results and discuss concrete ways to create a more democratic Union. The collaboration of citizens from different backgrounds and 6 EU countries will facilitate the understanding of their national and EU identity and help them to reengage with the EU.
Results
Involving six European countries, the project “eUnited: Citizens’ Forum for United Europe” implemented within the framework of the Europe for Citizens programme, identified challenges, treating a specific topic in each partner country in the consortium. Specifically, the thematic topics for the participating countries were:
- Bulgaria – ‘Climate change and Environment’
- Germany - ‘Digitization’
- Greece - ‘Immigration and Security’
- Italy - ‘European Communication’
- Poland - ‘Competitive Europe’
- Spain - ‘Democracy and Society’
Through this process, the project intended to reflect, exchange opinions and experiences on the identity of European citizenship through the participation in EU initiatives of people from different EU countries and regions. This helped involved citizens to better understand the EU's policy-making process and opportunities for social and intercultural engagement and volunteering at EU level and to draw their vision for the future of the EU.
Attached you can find a short Executive Summary and a Position paper containing the main findings and vision of Europeans from participating countries. The process involved more than 650, mainly young, European citizens from Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain. Our consortium represented by Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (Bulgaria), Regional Association of Local Government of Western Macedonia (Greece), BIDA e.V.Kultur und Bildung (Germany), Mine Vaganti NGO (Italy), Polska Fundacja Im. Roberta Schumana (Poland), European Integration and Training Centre ALPHA (Spain) is glad to bring those efforts to your distinct attention in hope that the main conclusions will be useful for your future work!
Read here Executive summary
Read here E-Paper