INCREASING THE ROLE OF THE CITIZENS IN THE EUROPEAN PROJECT
12–19December, 2010
Sofia, Bulgaria
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project will meet the need to inform the young generation how the EU works and the rights and obligations that the EU citizenship brings.
The necessity for information about thechanges in the functioning of the EU, brought by the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, as well as the need for building leadership skills in youngpeople aiming at awakening their civil consciousness and acceptance ofthecommon European values, are some of the basic motives, whichhaveprovokedthe initiation of this project.
Citizens should strive to live Europe as a personal experience, as their own story rather than an abstract distant Something. Citizens should personalize Europe: from Brussels to Sofia. We are all Europe and Europe is everywhere. The European project must not be perceived as an elite project but as an important part of life for everyone.The new treaty gives people the power to push for the Europe they want.
The project will involve governmental officials, elected representatives, scholars, activists of civil society organizations and, most importantly, the participants themselves in a series of debates, working groups and euro parties.
The political, social, economic and cultural aspects thattheseminar addresses will contribute to the broader involvement of the citizensin the integration process and will turn them into active participantsinthe future of Europe debate.
Their involvement into thedebate, is a condition for overcoming stereotypes and national barriers inthe context of creating a common European identity in termsof better knowledge of EU issues.
The ideas and knowledge generated during the seminar can be used by every participant and be implemented at local level.
The rich social program, including horse ride in Vitoshamountain (optional), partiesandsightseeing trip to the Rila Monastery, one of the most significant and picturesque monuments on the Balkans, will enable the participants to feel the atmosphere of Bulgaria - an ever-evolving and modern country with great cultural heritage and traditions, dating back from Roman and Byzantine times.
Participating conditions:
Age 18-30 (no limit for the head of the delegation)
CountriesSlovenia, Greece, Austria, Bulgaria
Costs:
70% of travel costs and 100% of food and lodging costs will be coveredcovered
by the organisers
75 Euro participation fee/person