The European Year of Citizens 2013

The European Year of Citizens 2013 is dedicated to the rights that come with EU citizenship. Over this year, the EU will encourage dialogue between all levels of government, civil society and business at events and conferences around Europe to discuss those EU rights and build a vision of how the EU should be in 2020.
Under the motto “It’s about Europe, It’s about You! Join the debate!” the European Union launched the EU Year of Citizens 2013 on 10 January in Dublin with a Citizens’ Dialogue in City Hall.

This was a chance for all citizens to speak directly to EU politicians about their rights, the kind of Europe they want to live in, and their expectations for the European Union. Their opinions will feed into future Commission proposals on strengthening rights in a Union where those rights are fully respected.

Thematic weeks on social media

Throughout 2013 the European Commission will run a series of thematic weeks related to the topics of the European Year of Citizens on its social media platforms.
EU welcomes everyone to join in on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. The European Commission will focus on specific themes, each for a week at a time, such as EU citizenship, road safety, passengers’ rights, toy safety and remembrance. Tune in, share the news, and take part!

Competition – ‘The European Parliament: Why should I care?’

Have you ever dreamt of MAKING A DIFFERENCE in the European integration project? NOW is your chance. Are you IN? Join the European Policy Centre competition: The European Parliament – ‘why should I care’?
Young citizens from EU member states and Croatia are invited to express in an innovative and convincing manner why the European Parliament is important to them, and why there is a need to vote in the next EP elections. The candidates can write, sing, paint, dance, film or use any other creative ways to present their opinions to us by 28 March 2013. Twenty winning participants will be awarded a trip to Brussels, where they will have the chance to present their successful entries, learn more about the EU institutions, and exchange ideas with EU decision makers and like-minded young Europeans.
More info on European Year of Citizens Project at europa.eu/citizens-2013/en
Europa.ba