DISCLAIMER
FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION. VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE HOWEVER THOSE OF THE AUTHOR(S) ONLY AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR EUROPEAN EDUCATION AND CULTURE EXECUTIVE AGENCY (EACEA). NEITHER THE EUROPEAN UNION NOR THE GRANTING AUTHORITY CAN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM.
The general objective of the project was to give citizens the opportunity to discover the cultural diversity of the European Union and to make them aware that European values and cultural heritage constitute the foundation for a common future, to share good practices and foster the citizens the sense of belonging to the EU.
The project is also aimed at promoting language learning and lifelong learning. Partners exchanged innovative approaches between countries to share best practices across the whole linguistic and cultural sector.
The event aimed to bring together citizens and decision makers at local and national levels to exchange and share their experiences and results on all aspects of the linguistic and cultural sector. It also provided an interdisciplinary platform for policy makers, citizens and civil society representatives to present and discuss the most recent measures and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the field. Themes for the event revolved around the linkages between issues and policy responses in the field which support contemporary and innovative initiatives that engender experimentation and renewal in cultures, and provided opportunities for participants to actively engage in and reflect upon diversity.
The main activity of the project was held in Romania, Comuna Mihaileni between 28th September -1th October 2023.
The major aim of the event was the active involvement of EU citizens in setting up a common response to multiple challenges and articulate a new vision of the future, and thereby restore the public faith in the European project. Event topics were designed so as to increase awareness about the EU’s common policies, the values and rights of EU citizens created by it, and to develop knowledge about the opportunities offered by the EU, encouraging their citizens to participate in the democratic life of the EU. The event’s program was established together by the partners, in cooperation with volunteers and NGOs from partner localities. Being the developer and the host of the event, ABMCSG had the following tasks: coordinating logistics, organizing and implementing the event in compliance with the proposed program.
The program was divided in three main parts, and 3 meetings were held during the implementation period. The first meeting was held between 5-11th of May in Gabcikovo (SK), the second between 25-29th of May in Mihaileni (RO), and the third, the closing event also in Mihaileni between 28th of September – 1th of October.
Day 1 program of the twinning event: – 28th of September 2023:
Discussion, debate on:
- Local good practices and disadvantages of the integration in the different areas
- Trends and future in rural areas – communities and quality of life and the local level of Euroscepticism
Every participant presented the local achievements of EU and possible disadvantages in the frame of a 15 min. short presentation. An invited expert presented the relevant parts of the White paper on the future of Europe. This way participants got an insight on each other’s local life, achievements, problems, state and perspectives and understanding the challenges faced the EU in the last years, the reasons of Euroscepticism
Day 2 program – 29th of September 2023:
A thematic excursion was organized with the topic of heritage protection and minorities. The multicolored Transylvania was a perfect place to promote intercultural dialogue with the help of its heritage, this way the thematic excursion had a strong intercultural aspect: visiting Romanian, Hungarian and Roma settlements as well as the heritage of Jews, Armenians and Germans. The excursion served as a good opportunity to aware the public on the importance of tangible and intangible cultural elements (dances, legends, folklore).
Day 3 program – 30th of September 2023:
Competition and roundtable debate:
- I know Europe – (work and study) experiences from other countries (EURES, ERASMUS+ etc.)
- Education and development
Young age groups and educators participated on this activity. A short competition was organized to introduce the topic and share knowledge on the topic. The experiences were discussed in a moderated way, in order to share knowledge and encourage the participation in different programs.
During the event an open-air exhibition was reachable for participants. The exhibition focused on illustrating the intangible and tangible achievements financed by EU funds. Before-after pictures from all of the regions demonstrating the role of Europe, including the presentation of possible disadvantages. Similarities and differences in problems, as well as good practices were emphasized and interpreted in every domain (infrastructure, nature, heritage, agriculture, economy, community etc.).
