One of the main pillars of the European Union’s credo is the promotion of active European citizenship. Since its early days, the European Union has spoken about the unity of its people and their active involvement in the construction of a unified Europe. “We are not forming coalitions of states, we are uniting men,” declared Jean Monnet, one of the main figures that contributed to the foundation of the European family.
When, last Thursday, the new “Europe for Citizens Programme” was launched, new tools were made available to civil society. This programme will be addressing issues to improve citizens’ participation in the construction of Europe and encourage cooperation between citizens and their organisations from different member states in order to exchange and develop their own ideas in a European environment, which goes beyond a national vision while at the same time respecting their diversity.
I agree with European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Multilinguism, Jan Figel, when he said that European citizenship means European citizens joining forces to form the Europe of the future together, and it is very relevant that this programme is being launched in the same year that the EU is celebrating its 50th birthday. This programme is structured on the same foundations that the European Union has been built on, that is understanding, solidarity and unity of citizens.
The programme aims to improve mutual knowledge of the culture and history of the European peoples, promote our common heritage and strengthen the basis for our common future. This should be achieved thanks to the four actions within the programme. These actions will further empower citizens and organisations to participate in the building of the European Union and will bring the European Union closer to its citizens.
Action One, “Active citizens for Europe” caters for the direct involvement of citizens in a manner that brings people from local communities from across Europe to exchange their culture, history, values and to construct a future. This action is divided in two sections or measures, the first being town-twinning, which creates links at local level between local governments. This measure is a valuable tool for local councils and Maltese citizens to participate in town-twinning activities that encourage networking and cooperation between the partners.
The other measure is citizens’ projects and support measures. This part caters to gather citizens from different backgrounds to discuss and debate common European issues using innovative methods.
“Active civil society for Europe” is the name given to Action Two – the action that caters for the debate and reflection related to European citizenship and democracy. This action supports civil society organisations and think tanks, as unique links between European citizens and the European Union.
Projects under this action should raise awareness on the issues of common interest and on the concrete solutions that can be found through cooperation or coordination at European level.
Action Three is the action that is carried out by the European Commission. Branded “Together for Europe”, this action aims to bridge the gap between the European Union and its citizens through the promotion of active European citizenship all over the 27 member states.
The fourth action, “Active European Remembrance” looks at the darker days of Europe. This action aims at the preservation of main sites that remind us of the victims of Nazism and Stalinism. This will serve to understand further the importance of European Union that from the ashes of the World War II unified and grew into a family.
This part of the programme aims to create awareness of the full dimensions and tragic consequences of the Second World War through the involvement of the younger generations of Europeans.
Furthermore, citizens will engage in a reflection on the origins of the European Union, 50 years ago, on the history of European integration, which preserved peace among its members, and finally on today’s Europe, thereby moving beyond the past and building the future.
This programme will put to the availability of citizens an overall budget of e215 million for the period 2007-2013.
The Nationalist Party is the political party that believes in Maltese citizens. The Nationalist Party in government introduced the local councils to our islands and once again, the same administration led Malta towards membership in the EU. This membership that continued to empower Maltese citizens to improve skills, exchange ideas and influence the future of the European family.
Let us not forget that the Malta Labour Party not only opposed the European Union accession, but also the introduction of local councils. The same party, during the 18-month government, reduced the local councils’ budgets.
I believe it is clear enough to understand which political party is empowering the grassroots of Maltese society.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
www.davidcasa.eu
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