Proud to be European Citizens

2026-07-22

"""Proud to be European Citizens"", PEC, involves three towns from countries that have had an impact on the EU at different times and in different ways. Italy, a founding country, Croatia, in EU from 2013, and the Republic of North Macedonia, a candidate country. The dialogue between citizens with such a varied European background represents the basis on which to build a dialogue with a strong transnational character. The main challenge is to prove the essential role that Town Twinning has had during history in protecting and promoting EU rights and values, with particular attention to the new strategies and policies such as environmental protection and gender equality. By experiencing twinning, citizens will become aware of the contribution that they could make to build a stronger and more democratic Union. So, we will create an atmosphere in which everyone can feel part of the European process and in which each participant can act as a driver to educate others about EU citizenship. The kick off meeting will be in Novska (Croatia). 50 participants, 25 of which international, will talk about the function of Town Twinning to protect old and new values. The theme of the second event in Konche will be: the importance of protecting, enhancing and spreading the rights and values contained in art. 2 TEU; the obligation of candidate countries to conform their law to the fundamental principles that the Union protects; The third event will be in Polla (Italy). We will discuss: analysis and debate on the low turnout in the 2024 EU elections; promotion, dissemination and demonstration of Union websites where citizens can participate in or promote consultations and discussions. PEC’s objectives are as follows: increase citizens' sense of trust and belonging towards the EU and openness to dialogue towards other cultures; increase active participation and education of citizens at Union level, taking into account in particular the needs of women in terms of gender equality. "

Italy

2026-02-01