Democratic citizenship

Using a bottom-up participatory approach, WISE Project focused primarily on promoting democratic engagement and active citizenship in local and EU policy-making. During a time of social and economic crisis in Europe, which has seen a surge in radicalized movements and an increase in Euroscepticism, it is especially crucial to reflect on Europe’s future. There seems to be no better occasion to start than the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in 2017, to reflect on and learn from the past of the European Union.

Objectives

The main objectives of the project were the followings:

  • To contribute the citizens’ understanding of the Union, its history and diversity.
  • To foster European citizenship and improve civic and democratic participation at European level.
  • Raise awareness of remembrance, common values and history and the Union’s aim that is to promote peace; its values and the well-being of its people by stimulating debate, reflection and development networks.
  • Encourage democratic and civic participation at Union’s level, by developing citizen’s understanding of the Union policy-making process and promoting societal and intercultural engagement and volunteering at European level.
  • Understanding and debating Euroscepticism.
  • Combatting stigmatisation of immigrants and building counter narratives to foster intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
  • Debate on the future of Europe.

The Partnership