Project presentation

International project

Europe, my country

September 2015 – February 2017

EuroDEMOS Association from Romania together with partners from Associazione TDM 2000 from Italy, Vision 2020 Leadership Initiative from United Kingdom and Youth Alliance from Republic of Macedonia implemented the project „Europe, my country”, co-funded by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union.

The project „Europe, my country” aimed to encourage democratic participation and active citizenship by building the citizens ownership and understanding regarding the legislative procedures and institutions within EU.

To understand the functioning of the decisional systems at EU level is very important to understand public policies and the becoming of the society. Besides the electoral events taking place once in 4 or 5 years, citizens have the rights but also the responsibility to participate in shaping the future of the community. In the context of the actual economic, social and political crisis building the trust in institutions and the consolidation of democracy are crucial. Democracy is built on the citizens’ participation, being aware and responsible regarding their role.

The project aims to encourage democratic participation and active citizenship by building the citizens ownership and understanding regarding the legislative procedures and institutions within EU.

The project objectives were:

- To develop the citizens dialogue with their representatives for building the trust within EU institutions;

- To rise the citizens understanding regarding their rights and responsibilities in democracy to encourage democratic and civic participation of citizens at Union level;

- To develop a common space to reflect upon and to understand the importance of the active participation in decision making process and to promote the European citizenship.

                The project included different activities to involve the main actors of democracy in the debate regarding the gap between citizens, civil society and decision makers: inquiry, conferences, workshops, campaigns, offering community feedback to MEPs, etc.. Another pillar of the project is to strengthen the civil society, to contribute to the engagement of citizens at the democratic life of the EU  was implemented through activities as accredited training course, building partnerships, developing documents for further actions, etc.

I. Preparatory partners meeting

The partners meeting took place in Romania in Iasi and in Bucharest between 03 – 06 November 2015 and were present 6 representatives from the coordinator and the partners in the project: Romania, Italy, United Kingdom and Macedonia.

In Bucharest the partners meeting was developed at the House of Parliament – were the parliament develops its activity and the participants had the opportunity to meet directly with one of the deputy in Romania: Mr. Sorin Avram Iacoban.

II. Civic inquiry regarding the activity of MEPs in EU countries: Romania, Italy and UK and of the parliamentarians in Macedonia. In all the countries in totally were questioned more than 6 500 persons and the results with the citizens feed-back were made publicly in each country.

III. Public campaign to promote EU citizenship and participation – it was developed in all partners communities(RO, IT, UK, MK) and included different activities adapted to the local community needs like: street campaign, workshops, Info day, on-line promotion  etc.

IV. 4 Conferences: 1 international conference in Romania and 3 national conferences in Italy, United Kingdom, Macedonia

The conferences provided the space to reflect upon the role of civil society in community also related with the citizens and with Members within European Parliament/ National Parliament and decision makers. It involved the main actors of democracy in the debate regarding the gap between citizens, civil society and decision makers.

The activities were focused to develop a framework for participation and dialogue. The project conferences enhanced the responsibility regarding the future of the community also among citizens and their representatives.

V. Accredited Training on Civic and Social Competences - Romania

The training was developed from 01 – 30 October 2016 and had 24 participants that took the final exam with state commission. 

VI. Promoting the final document to relevant stakeholders