As part of the new generation of Community actions programmes for the period 2007-2013, the European Commission adopted yesterday a proposal for a programme for the promotion of active European citizenship. This programme will take over the current programme coming to an end in 2006 and is a contribution to addressing a major challenge of the European Union, namely how to bridge the gap between the citizens and the European Union.

This program aims to encourage cooperation between citizens and their organizations from different countries in order to meet, act together and develop their own ideas in a European environment which goes beyond a national vision and which respects their diversity. These intercultural exchanges will contribute to improving the mutual knowledge of the culture and history of the European peoples and will bring our common heritage to the fore and strengthen the basis for our common future. Mutual understanding, solidarity and a feeling of belonging to Europe are indeed the building blocks for the involvement of citizens and are reflected by each of the programme’s actions.
Citizens for Europe