In October 2020, the European Union's communication with its citizens covered three important areas: Empowering citizens, Cohesion and Cooperation, Green Europe. Over three weeks during the European Week(s) of Regions and Cities, during intensive lectures, dialogues, and discussions, any EU citizen had the opportunity to participate and express his or her thoughts to help the EU make a qualitative decision that would satisfy the majority of citizens in Europe.
From 12 to 16 October, a key role has been played by European regional cooperation and cohesion policy, which helps the European Union to develop from local challenges and to become more united, equal, and developed. Thanks to European Union Regional development funds, many regions have had the opportunity to modernize and digitize their schools, hospitals, re-build roads and buildings, support public awareness and educational events that promote democratic and development processes throughout the European Union.
Although cohesion policy is already in place since several decades, people are not sufficiently informed about what the European Union is helping achieve in their regions. Aware of this, in any region, a citizen would have the opportunity to use his knowledge power and advise his local authority where funding is needed to improve the situation in its region.
One of the sessions of the European week of regions and cities was about "Effectively communicating on Cohesion policy in different countries and contexts". Etienne Millien from Sud Ouest (French media) presented his one-year project in cooperation with Spanish Basque Country. They explored how well people are informed and aware in these regions about the European cohesion funds, what the European Union itself still has to do for a good communication, and how important it is for citizens to be aware of the opportunities they can realise through the European Union cohesion fund support.
For more information -
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regio-audiovisual@ec.europa.eu
