European Citizenship &

Multiculturalism

•European citizenship?

What is •Multiculturalism?

•The connection between those?

European Citizenship & Multiculturalism

Young people from 27 European countries came together in order to represent Europe and the European Union. During these days, we have experienced intercultural dialogue through games, group activities and discussions. We realised the importance of an active European citizenship and what is the role of multiculturalism in today’s society.

We see European Culture as…• United in diversity• A mixture of cultures – interacting on a intercultural level

• Different cultures getting in touch• Common elements – mobility, unity, peace, the idea of an EU Constitution will support the sense of belonging

• Harmony – celebrating the various cultural differences, solving transnational issues

What can we do to increase Active European Citizenship?

• Education – non-formal education about Europe (e.g. games, films etc.)

• Participation and volunteering – e.g. in sports and cultural activities, supporting youth organisations and

voting

What can we do to increase Active European Citizenship?

• Communication - between cultures through websites and forums

• Seeing the EU more as a cultural and political union than as a free trade market

What can EU do to promote Active Citizenship?

• Information through media – the activities of the EU, volunteering possibilities and financing projects• Education – lessons, debates, workshops and projects• Social network & access to media – facilitating dialogue between people who share the same interests or

problems

What can EU do to promote Active Citizenship

• Encouraging work and study mobility in Europe – learning about, experiencing other cultures, celebrating diversity and coming together with people of all ages

• Direct link between the EU’s institutions and young people from different countries – active participation in elections, more involvement

of the younger generations in the EP.

What can EU do to promote Active Citizenship?

• EU newspaper – translated in all European languages• Regional Youth Centers – to implement and develop youth policies• Support NGOs/youth organizations – more advertising, more financial and legal support

When we will be 30 years old, we hope Europe will be…

• Unity - stronger feeling of belonging together

• Currency – enlargement of the Euro - zone

• Environmental Topics – more attention

• Influence – more influence on daily life issues & laws

When we will be 30 years old, we hope Europe will …

• Have new countries - e.g South Eastern European countries

• Face a greater mobility – more people from other countries immigrate and/or visit other countries

• Have no borders at all• Educational system – common

curricula, evaluating systems and basis to create equal chances for everyone

When we will be 30 years old, we fear Europe will have…

• Religious problems - affecting more citizens, lack of tollerance

• Prosperity decrease – of countries with stronger economical background will suffer

• Countries leaving the union• A loss of cultural heritage and traditions - reciprocal effect

Thank you!