August 11th, 2014 
ЕИЦ Европа Директно - Велико Търново Project “YOU KONOW THE EUROPEAN UNION” in which EUROPEAN INFORMATION CENTRE is a partner, was won by UNIEDA – Italian Union of Adult Education Programme UE – DG EACEA (Education, Audiovisual and Culture, Executive Agency) – Lifelong Learning Programme: Grundtvig Multilateral Project .
DURATION
October 2008 – September 2009
PARTNERS
PROMOCION EDUCATIVA SOCIEDAD COOPERATIVA, Spain
POLISH ROBERT SCHUMAN FOUNDATION, Poland
• European Information Centre – Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
OBJECTIVES
Project Does the European Union?, Like many other projects within the program “Europe for Citizens” was seen as a a bridge which would bring the European institutions and policies close to the community. The main objective of the project was to encourage dialogue between European citizens and the EU institutions, informing citizens about EU policies and their impact, and to enable and guarantee the views and opinions of citizens to reach the EU institutions. The project included 529 people from five European countries living in a different geographical and social conditions (urban and rural), working in different fields (legal field training activities, social cooperatives, local governments, foundations) having different possibilities to use new technology (for young people and adults) involved to varying degrees in local political life (civic Committee) or civil society organizations (such as volunteers, civil services, social workers). They participated actively in meetings and training sessions on issues related to EU: Lisbon Treaty, the process of decision-making mechanisms for participation, to make a citizen’s voice heard at European level; the extent to which everyday life is influenced by EU mobility programs, etc., in a free discussion among citizens, experts and policy makers at various levels. Basic knowledge of Europe was the first step to the last active position. Citizens grouped into panels were invited to speak on issues that concern them and wanting Europe to intervene. Selected topics ranging from active citizenship, active labor market, labor market and entrepreneurship, missing or inadequate information about Europe, education and mobility of young people, environment and others. The result was a list of recommendations which are addressed primarily, not only to the EU institutions, but also directly relate to the national parliaments, to the means of communication, to the educational system and civil society.
MAIN ACTIVITIES:
1. The international open conference in Milan on March 31, 2009 ‘The role of institutions and citizens for a democratic Europe. A new contract ‘
2. Nationwide panels
Selection of panelists, meetings and training sessions, preparation of recommendations.
3. Dissemination Activities
– International Final Conference in Milan on November 6, 2009 “More or less Europe? What do you want European citizens’ with the presentation of proposals and discussions on accurate/careful selection of recommendations with representatives of European institutions and local authorities.
– Final publication of the English language and the languages of the project partners
– CD-Rom containing the electronic version of the final publication and training and animation materials, produced and used by the partners.
TAKE A LOOK:/SHOW:/EXPLORE:
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