The second event of the project “European Local Citizens” took place in the municipality of Kallithea on 19 April 2024. The project focuses on the impact of the Treaty of Maastricht to the everyday lives of the European citizens mainly addressing the issue of European citizenship.
The mayor of Kallithea, Kostas Askounis, welcomed the partners of the program at the city hall and emphasized that "we are united in a common goal: To underline that through cooperation and solidarity we can strengthen the resilience and justice of the European Union for all citizens".
The Deputy Mayor, Athina Exarchou, presented the work of the Municipality's Equality Committee and focused on gender equality, underlining that "gender stereotypes are deeply rooted in our cultures and are the main cause of gender inequalities".
Theologia and Stella Georgiou presented the Municipal Students’ Festival -since the ELC event was part of its closing sessions. Tessy Melidi also presented the main elements and aims of the project to the Greek audience.
The most exciting part of the event was when students from different high schools of Kallithea presented their own views of Europe and their perception of European citizenship based on school teachings but also their personal experiences.
The students also had the opportunity to discuss with the partners’ representatives and exchange views and examples from their own countries.
Following the presentations and debate with the students, the partners had a round table discussion on the importance of being a European Citizen, especially in view of the European elections. The participants highlighted the difficulties mobile EU citizens face to engage in local and European elections and to actively participate in the electoral process. At the same time, they indicated the efforts made by the local authorities to integrate them as much as possible.
After the meeting, the partners were given a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum. "Your presence here confirms our commitment to common values and our common search for a more united Europe", noted the Mayor of Kallithea addressing the partners who included mayors from 3 cities in Hungary and Spain and high-ranking officials of municipal authorities from all countries.
Comments