Europe for Citizens (formerly Citizens for Europe) is a
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been de ...
programme designed to help bridge the gap between citizens and the European Union. Ending in 2006, the
European Commission
The European Commission (EC) is the executive of the European Union (EU). It operates as a cabinet government, with 27 members of the Commission (informally known as "Commissioners") headed by a President. It includes an administrative body ...
on 6 April 2005 adopted a proposal for a programme to run from 2007 to 2013. In 2014 anothe
programmestarted that will continue until 2017. The programme will provide the Union with instruments to promote active European citizenship, put citizens in the centre and offers them the opportunity to fully assume their responsibility as European citizens. The Commission has determined that citizens should also be aware of their duties as citizen and become actively involved in the process of
European integration, developing a sense of belonging and a European identity.
The global aim of the proposed programme is to contribute to:
*Giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever-closer Europe, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity;
*Forging a European identity, based on recognised common values, history and culture;
*Enhancing mutual understanding between European citizens respecting and celebrating cultural diversity, while contributing to intercultural dialogue.
The proposal affirms that Union citizenship should be the fundamental status of nationals of the Member States.
The budget for the new program is €235 million.
See also
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Citizenship of the European Union
European Union citizenship is afforded to all citizens of member states of the European Union (EU). It was formally created with the adoption of the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, at the same time as the creation of the EU. EU citizenship is additio ...
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European citizens' consultations
External links
Citizens for EuropeEUObserver: Parliament approves plan to promote EU citizenship "In a symbolic move, MEPs changed the title of the programme, which will be included under a separate budgetary heading for 2007-2013, from 'Citizens for Europe' to 'Europe for citizens.'"
Politics of the European Union
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