Introduction
The European Union is made of its citizens and for its citizens! Encouraging and facilitating citizens'wider involvement in the European Union and what it stands for is of great importance. This ranges from the need to increase their participation in current affairs to the need of ensuring a broader understanding of the history of the European Union (hereinafter “Union") and its origins in the aftermath of two world wars. The Lisbon Treaty at the end of 2009 led to a number of changes towards bringing the Union closer to its citizens and fostering greater cross-border debate about Union policy issues. The new Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union introduces a whole new dimension of participatory democracy. Europe has a challenging agenda for the next seven year s, with serious issues at stake. With decisions and policies needed on issues ranging from economic growth, security and Europe’s role in the world, it is now more important than ever for citizens to take part in discussions and help shape policies. Considering the European citizenship as an important element in strengthening and safeguarding the process of European integration, the European Commission continues encouraging the engagement of European citizens in all aspects of the life of their community, thus enabling them to participate in the construction of an ever closer Europe.
In this context, the Europe for Citizens Programme adopted for the period 2014-2020 is an important instrument aimed at getting the Union’s 500 million inhabitants to play a greater part in the development of the Union. By funding schemes and activities in which citizens can participate, the Programme is promoting Europe’s shared history and values, and fostering a sense of ownership for
how the Union develops. A budget of EUR 185 468 000 for the period 2014-2020 will be allocated for the "Europe for Citizens" programme.
Strand 2: Democratic engagement and civic participation: Encourage democratic and civic participation of citizens at Union level.
Measures in this strand are:
- Town Twinning
Eligibility: Towns/municipalities or their twinning committees or other non-profit organisations representing local authorities. A project must involve municipalities from at least 2 eligible countries of which at least one is an EU Member State
Budget: Maximum eligible grant for a project: 25.000 EUR
- Networks of Towns
Eligibility
Type of organisation/ Applicants: Towns/municipalities or their twinning committees or networks; Other levels of local/regional authorities; Federations/associations of local authorities; Non-profit organisations representing local authorities.
A project must involve municipalities from at least eligible countries of which at least one is an EU Member State.
Budget: Maximum eligible grant for a project: 150.000 EUR
- Civil Society Projects
Eligibility
Applicants: non profit organisations, including civil society organisations, educational, cultural or research institutions.
Partners: Public local/regional authorities or non-profit organisations, including civil society organisations, educational, cultural or research institutions, town-twinning committees and networks.
A project must involve organisations from at least 3 eligible countries of which at least one is an EU Member State.
Budget: Maximum eligible grant for a project: 150.000 EUR
Deadline: 01 September 2014
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