When people hear the phrase “EU project”, many imagine forms, reports and long documents. The international conference of the EU citizens project in Novo mesto showed what lies behind them: people from different towns who meet, listen to one another and discover how much they have in common.
Seven partners, seven local stories
The project, Citizens from local communities – the value of the EU, brings together seven organisations: Zavod Boter from Slovenia as coordinator, Birgu Local Council from Malta, DANUBE 1245 from Serbia, the Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute from Greece, the Local Action Group Prigorje-Zagorje from Croatia, the Municipality of Strumyani from Bulgaria and the Municipality of Soriano nel Cimino from Italy. Seven different legal forms, seven languages and seven administrative systems share one idea: towns are better when they talk to one another.
During the central event at the Novo mesto Town Hall, representatives of all partner organisations presented their countries and the towns they come from, linking their local realities with the theme of the conference. The presentations brought very different places closer together: from island and coastal communities to rural municipalities and historic towns. At the same time, they revealed shared concerns about mobility and traffic, public spaces, the environment, the involvement of young and older people, and how citizens can have a greater say in decisions that affect their daily lives.
Learning through encounters
The programme combined formal and informal learning. Visits to Grm Novo mesto – Centre for Biotechnics and Tourism and to the Home for Senior Citizens, as well as the visit of the Croatian group to the Herbal Centre Škocjan, showed concrete local good practices in education, local development and community inclusion. Participation in the European Car-Free Day turned the topic of sustainable mobility into a shared experience on the main square. The event at the Town Hall connected European topics with local experience, and the guided city tour, shared meals and evenings offered time for personal exchange.
For many participants, these informal moments were just as important as the official programme. Conversations over lunch or during a walk through the old town often led to new ideas, comparisons between countries and plans for future cooperation.
Diversity as Europe’s strength
The message of the conference was clear: diversity is not an obstacle to cooperation, but one of Europe’s greatest strengths. Europe is built not only through institutions and policies, but through people in local communities, schools, associations, municipalities and families, and through the everyday choices of citizens.
The next steps
The conference was the central event of the project, but not its end. Each partner will bring the experience and conclusions of the conference back home through a local multiplier event, such as a public debate, a workshop or a presentation, involving schools, clubs, environmental initiatives, local businesses and public institutions. At the end of the project, the partners will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation to ensure that the links between their towns continue after the project.
We thank all partners, hosts, speakers and participants who made the conference in Novo mesto such a meaningful European experience.
Disclaimer:
Co-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 the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
