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The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Open Conference titled “Strengthening European Citizenship by Creating the Foundations for Civic and Democratic Engagement” from January 24 to 26, 2024, in Bucharest, Romania.

  • The RECup Project, part of the European CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN program, continue its activities with the “Open Conference on Strengthening European Citizenship by Creating the Foundations for Civic and Democratic Engagement,” held from January 24 to 26, 2024, in Bucharest, Romania.
  • Organized by the coordinating organization ASOCIATIA ASEL RO, the conference brought together 30 participants from Romania, Malta, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain. The event served as the project’s transnational gathering and was hosted at the Continental Forum Hotel in Bucharest, setting the stage for collaboration among partners and citizens committed to strengthening democratic values and civic participation.
  • The first day began with a warm welcome from the project leaders, followed by presentations introducing the RECup project’s goals and the partner organizations. This was followed by a thematic session exploring how RECup aims to enhance citizen engagement through e-democracy tools and local activation. A dynamic round of team-building activities fostered collaboration and encouraged participants to identify key stakeholders and possible challenges.
  • In the afternoon, participants engaged in an interactive workshop focusing on stakeholder involvement and collaborative decision-making. Discussions highlighted the importance of co-creating action plans that support civic engagement among unemployed citizens—a core target group of the project. The session closed with a powerful keynote speech by a local authority representative on the role of active citizenship in strengthening European identity.
  • The roundtable that followed allowed participants to draft initial action plans for engaging their local communities. Ideas were exchanged on increasing awareness, activating marginalized groups, and laying the groundwork for cross-border cooperation. The first day concluded with a group reflection session and a shared dinner, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on intercultural dialogue and solidarity.
  • The second day of the conference focused on consolidating the outcomes of the initial sessions. Participants fine-tuned their action plans, defined responsibilities, and set milestones for implementation. This was followed by a feedback and evaluation session where key takeaways and suggestions were shared, ensuring that all participants left with clarity and commitment to the next project steps.
  • By the end of the two-day event, a strong foundation was laid for RECup’s implementation across all seven partner countries. The conference not only aligned the consortium under a common vision but also reaffirmed the project’s mission: to foster European citizenship by empowering unemployed citizens to actively shape democratic life at both the local and European levels.
  • As RECup moves forward, the energy and collaboration sparked in Bucharest promise to fuel a vibrant network of towns committed to civic engagement and inclusive democracy.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Study Experts Meeting titled “Unemployed Citizens Participate Actively in European Policy Formation” from March 6 to 8, 2024, in Soriano nel Cimino, Italy.

  • The RECup Study Experts Meeting, held from March 6 to 8, 2024, in Soriano nel Cimino, Italy, brought together unemployed citizens, stakeholders, and experts to discuss ways to enhance civic participation and democratic engagement for those facing barriers to employment. Organized under the RECup Project, the event aimed to explore strategies for integrating unemployed citizens into European policy-making while fostering collaboration between local institutions, trade unions, chambers of commerce, and educational organizations.
  • The event began with the arrival and welcome of participants at the Town Hall, where local officials introduced the objectives of the meeting. The first day provided a cultural context through a visit to the historic Orsini Castle, allowing attendees to engage in informal networking while learning about the region’s heritage.
  • The second day opened with a workshop on the civic and democratic participation of unemployed citizens. Representatives from the participating organizations—coming from Romania, Malta, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, and Spain—shared insights on best practices, policy frameworks, and successful initiatives that empower unemployed individuals to engage in civic life. The discussions focused on barriers to participation, lack of institutional representation, and the role of local authorities in fostering active citizenship. Participants exchanged ideas on enhancing digital literacy, developing advocacy skills, and promoting community engagement among unemployed citizens.
  • Following a networking coffee break, the workshop continued with further exploration of the policy measures needed to bridge the gap between unemployment and active participation. Discussions emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, access to training programs, and the role of civic education in empowering unemployed citizens to contribute to the decision-making process.
  • In the afternoon, local stakeholders and experts joined the group for a roundtable discussion, where debates focused on employment policies, social inclusion strategies, and initiatives that promote democratic engagement for marginalized groups. Experts highlighted the role of municipalities, labor unions, and NGOs in ensuring that unemployed citizens are not excluded from civic participation. Case studies from different regions provided valuable insights into successful employment reintegration programs and grassroots movements advocating for social change.
  • On the final day, participants explored Soriano nel Cimino’s historical and cultural sites, reinforcing the connection between heritage, civic identity, and active participation. The event concluded with a final discussion and evaluation session, where participants reflected on key takeaways and next steps. The meeting provided a strong foundation for further collaboration, ensuring that unemployed citizens have a more active role in shaping policies that affect their future. 
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The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Seminar Activity titled “Challenges of the Active Social Participation” from March 23 to 25, 2024, in Breznicki Hum, Croatia.

  • The third event of the RECup project, titled “Challenges of the Active Social Participation,” took place from March 23 to 25, 2024, in Breznicki Hum, Croatia. The seminar brought together local unemployed individuals, key stakeholders, and partner representatives to discuss the role of civic participation in fostering social inclusion and democratic engagement. Each participating organization contributed by involving unemployed citizens, stakeholders, and partner leaders, ensuring a diverse and enriched exchange of perspectives.
  • The event’s agenda systematically explored active social participation, focusing on local governance, best practices, citizenship activation methodologies, and the impact of COVID-19 on policy adjustments. A significant session led by the Croatian Employment Service addressed challenges in maintaining civic engagement, particularly for unemployed individuals.
  • A key highlight of the seminar was the RECup project meeting, which reviewed the outcomes of WP1 and WP2. WP1, initiated in Romania, established a common understanding of civic participation strategies, engaging stakeholders to build inclusive policies. WP2, developed in Italy, focused on the barriers preventing unemployed individuals from engaging in European policy-making, emphasizing the need for structured participation frameworks. These discussions directly shaped the seminar’s activities, ensuring that project efforts aligned with identified challenges.
  • The event concluded with a consensus on the importance of collaboration between local authorities, stakeholders, and civil society to foster sustainable civic participation. Participants emphasized the need for targeted policies that empower unemployed individuals, along with the integration of digital tools and non-formal education methods to bridge participation gaps. The reflections session reaffirmed partners’ commitment to promoting inclusive democratic processes across Europe.
  • The RECup project continues to drive forward its mission of strengthening European citizenship by creating opportunities for meaningful civic engagement and ensuring active social participation for all.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Seminar Activity titled “European Citizens Lab: COVID-19 Effects and Labour Market Challenges,” from March 24 to 26, 2024, in Novo mesto, Slovenia.

  • The fourth event of the RECup project, titled “European Citizens Lab: COVID-19 Effects and Labour Market Challenges,” took place from March 24 to 26, 2024, in Novo mesto, Slovenia. The event gathered local unemployed individuals, key stakeholders, and partner representatives from seven countries to examine the impact of COVID-19 on unemployment and labour market challenges across Europe. Each participating organization contributed by bringing unemployed citizens, stakeholders, and partner leaders, ensuring a broad and inclusive discussion on labour market recovery strategies.
  • The event officially began with a presentation by the Development and Education Center Novo Mesto (DRPDNM), showcasing best practices in addressing unemployment and labour market challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The first day also featured a RECup Project meeting, where participants reviewed the outcomes of WP1, WP2, and WP3, discussing progress, key findings, and challenges faced so far.
  • On the second day, the event was formally opened with speeches from the mayor of Novo mesto, Mr. Gregor Macedoni, and the president of DRPDNM, Ms. Branka Bukovec. Each partner country presented their findings under the theme “Unemployed European Citizens Lab,” sharing insights on how the pandemic has shaped national labour markets.
  • A round table and workshop led by A.S.E.L. Romania followed, focusing on mapping employment issues and analyzing the economic impact of COVID-19 on the European Union. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on how employment policies and social support mechanisms have evolved since the pandemic. In the afternoon, brainstorming sessions led by DRPDNM experts addressed sector-specific employment challenges and necessary recovery measures to uphold democratic values and social stability.
  • The day concluded with a final round table discussion, where participants presented draft action plans based on the key themes explored during the event.
  • On the third and final day, participants visited key EU-funded projects in Novo mesto, gaining practical insights into how European funding supports local labour market development. The event concluded with a project management meeting, where attendees evaluated the outcomes of the event and planned future RECup activities.
  • The fourth RECup event reinforced the project’s commitment to fostering inclusive employment policies and strengthening civic participation in shaping labour market solutions. Discussions emphasized the need for digital literacy programs, sustainable employment strategies, and greater representation of unemployed individuals in policy-making.
  • The RECup project continues to advance its mission of reinforcing European citizenship by equipping communities with tools for meaningful engagement in employment policies and social participation.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its First Training Activity, “From Inclusion to Activation (1st Circle),” from November  8 to 9, 2023, in Bucharest, Romania.

  • The first training activity of the RECup Project, titled “From Inclusion to Activation (1st Circle),” was held in Bucharest, Romania, bringing together participants from Romania, Croatia, and Italy to engage in intercultural dialogue, knowledge exchange, and active citizenship initiatives. The event aimed to empower participants with the skills and strategies needed to foster civic participation and strengthen European citizenship.
  • The event began with a warm welcome, where facilitators introduced the RECup Project’s objectives and acknowledged the diverse backgrounds of participants. An interactive icebreaker session encouraged attendees to connect and share their expectations for the training.
  • The first training session focused on intercultural dialogue, where participants analyzed case studies of successful collaborations, engaged in group activities, and discussed the importance of intercultural communication in community initiatives. The following session explored innovative approaches to community engagement, with participants brainstorming citizen-led initiatives and addressing potential challenges in implementation.
  • A panel discussion with representatives from unemployed citizens, stakeholders, and community groups allowed for an exchange of perspectives, followed by capacity-building workshops on skills development, resource mobilization, and communication techniques for effective community leadership. The first day concluded with an action planning session, where participants developed and refined strategies for community initiatives, setting the groundwork for future projects.
  • On the second day, participants reflected on the previous day’s discussions before embarking on a city tour of Bucharest, exploring its cultural and historical significance. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where participant groups presented their action plans and commitments, reinforcing their dedication to fostering active citizenship. Facilitators and organizers expressed their appreciation, and participants exchanged contact details, ensuring that the dialogue and collaboration would continue beyond the training activity.
  • The first training activity of the RECup Project successfully laid the foundation for intercultural collaboration and participatory engagement, equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to drive inclusive and democratic community initiatives across Europe.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Training Activity titled “From Inclusion to Activation (2nd Circle)” from April 23 to 25, 2024, in Thessaloniki, Greece.

  • The sixth event of the RECup Project, titled “From Inclusion to Activation (2nd Circle),” brought together local unemployed individuals, key stakeholders, and partner representatives for an engaging and practical training session in Thessaloniki, Greece. The training focused on reinforcing European citizenship through civic and democratic participation, equipping participants with tools to foster intercultural dialogue, develop citizen-led initiatives, and strengthen social inclusion.
  • The first day of the event introduced participants to the key objectives of the training, emphasizing intercultural communication and innovative approaches to active citizenship. A panel discussion featuring unemployed citizens, community stakeholders, and civic engagement experts provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of active social participation. Capacity-building workshops followed, focusing on skills development, resource mobilization, and effective communication techniques.
  • A significant highlight of the event was the session on case studies and success stories of intercultural collaboration. Participants explored impactful initiatives such as the Community Bridges project, which fostered cooperation between local and migrant communities, and the Youth Voices for Change initiative, which empowered young people to co-create civic engagement programs. Additionally, the Inclusive Cities Network was presented as a model for strengthening intercultural understanding and democratic participation across Europe.
  • On the second day, participants took part in a guided city tour of Thessaloniki, allowing them to experience first-hand the role of cultural heritage in fostering social cohesion. The event concluded with a final round table discussion, where participant groups presented action plans and commitments developed throughout the training. These included creating community dialogue forums, launching digital platforms to connect unemployed individuals with training opportunities, and establishing mentorship programs for marginalized groups.
  • The event reaffirmed the commitment of all participants to enhancing civic engagement and social inclusion across Europe. Through collaborative learning, peer exchange, and practical workshops, the RECup project continues to empower individuals and communities to actively shape a more inclusive and democratic society.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Participatory Seminar Activity titled “Compacting Poverty and Unemployment through Activation in Europe” from September 19 to 21, 2024, in Novo mesto, Slovenia.

  • The RECup Project continued its mission of fostering active citizenship and European cooperation by addressing the structural causes of poverty and unemployment in its latest Participatory Seminar Activity held in Novo mesto, Slovenia. The event gathered experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives from various European partner countries to discuss strategies for employment activation, digital engagement, and social inclusion.
  • The seminar opened on September 19th with the arrival of participants and an official welcome session at 15:00, setting the tone for three days of discussions and collaborative learning. The first session featured a presentation by DRPDNM on best practices in e-consultation and e-initiative, showcasing how digital tools empower citizens to directly engage with policymakers and influence decision-making. The RECup Project Meeting followed, where partners reported on the progress of WP4, WP5, and WP6, focusing on employment policies, civic participation, and digital inclusion. The day concluded with a networking dinner, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas in an informal setting.
  • On September 20th, the event officially commenced with welcoming speeches from Mayor Gregor Macedoni and DRPDNM President Branka Bukovec, emphasizing the importance of European collaboration in addressing unemployment and poverty through civic activation. Each partner country then presented their national approaches to e-consultation and e-initiative, offering a comparative analysis of different strategies for participatory citizenship.
  • The main seminar activity, led by A.S.E.L. Romania, focused on Compacting Poverty and Unemployment through Activation in Europe. Participants engaged in roundtable discussions and workshops exploring the barriers to employment and proposing policy solutions to enhance job market accessibility. The afternoon brainstorming session, led by DRPDNM experts, identified key obstacles to employment, particularly post-COVID-19, and developed recovery measures based on best practices from across Europe. A structured roundtable discussion followed, where participants presented draft action plans on employment activation, digital upskilling, and social entrepreneurship development, receiving feedback from experts and peers.
  • The final day, September 21st, began with a study visit to EU-funded employment activation and social inclusion projects in Novo mesto. This hands-on experience allowed participants to witness successful models of workforce integration and inclusive policies in action. The seminar concluded with a Project Management Meeting, where partners evaluated the event, discussed key takeaways, and outlined next steps for future activities within the RECup Project.
  • The event reaffirmed the importance of digital engagement, policy innovation, and cross-border collaboration in tackling poverty and unemployment. Through knowledge-sharing and collective problem-solving, the RECup Project continues to empower European citizens, enhance civic participation, and foster inclusive employment opportunities across Europe.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Workshop titled “Participatory Citizenship through Exchanging Good Practices” from October 24 to 27, 2024, in Gharb, Malta.

  • The RECup Project continued its mission to enhance participatory citizenship through intercultural dialogue and the exchange of best practices in its latest workshop, held in Gharb, Malta. Over three days, participants, including local unemployed individuals, community stakeholders, and representatives from partner organizations, engaged in discussions, hands-on workshops, and study visits to explore ways to foster active citizenship at the local, national, and European levels.
  • The event commenced on October 24th with a welcoming dinner at ic-Centru restaurant, providing an informal setting for participants to connect before the workshop sessions. This initial networking opportunity set the stage for productive discussions in the days to follow.
  • On October 25th, the workshop officially began with an opening session outlining key objectives, including developing intercultural dialogue, empowering the unemployed through active citizenship, and strengthening relationships with local authorities. The morning featured presentations from Malta, Romania, Croatia, and Slovenia, each highlighting unique national approaches to participatory citizenship. Topics ranged from Maltese policies facilitating intercultural dialogue to Romanian grassroots initiatives, Croatian tools for citizen engagement, and Slovenian policies supporting the integration of minorities. These presentations sparked meaningful conversations on overcoming barriers to civic engagement across diverse cultural and political landscapes.
  • The afternoon session focused on the connection between local authorities and citizens, emphasizing the role of different governance levels in fostering participatory democracy. Participants engaged in workshops and a debate forum, where they developed strategies to enhance citizen-government relationships. The day concluded with a presentation of workshop findings, followed by an evening networking dinner.
  • On October 26th, participants analyzed barriers to European participatory citizenship in a hands-on workshop, addressing challenges such as representation, accessibility, and inclusivity. They developed recommendations and action plans aimed at strengthening citizen engagement across Europe. The afternoon featured a visit to the local council, where participants engaged directly with local government representatives, discussing good practices for inclusive governance and learning from real-world applications of participatory policies.
  • The workshop concluded on October 27th with a reflection session, where participants summarized key takeaways and outlined next steps for collaboration and implementation. The importance of intercultural exchange, knowledge-sharing, and strategic partnerships was emphasized as crucial factors in ensuring a more inclusive and participatory European citizenship.
  • Fostering meaningful discussions and practical solutions, the RECup Project reaffirmed its commitment to empowering European citizens through participation, dialogue, and collaboration at all levels of governance.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Raising Awareness Activity titled “Citizens Manifesto Brings Unemployment to the Heart of Europe” from November 11 to 13, 2024, in Thessaloniki, Greece.

  • The RECup Project continued its mission of fostering active citizenship and employment advocacy with its latest Raising Awareness Activity in Thessaloniki, Greece. The event gathered local authorities, civil society organizations, trade unions, and unemployed citizens to engage in dialogues, workshops, and collaborative action plans aimed at addressing unemployment through civic participation and EU policy engagement.
  • The seminar began on November 12th with a welcome session, where local representatives and event organizers outlined key objectives, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation in tackling unemployment. The first panel discussion explored unemployment as a core EU policy issue, with experts presenting best practices from different European regions on reducing unemployment and strengthening workforce participation.
  • A key highlight of the event was the Blended Laboratory Workshop on Drafting the Citizens Manifesto, where participants worked in groups to create policy statements addressing unemployment, teleworking, and EU employment regulations. Contributions came from a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring that the Manifesto reflected the perspectives of unemployed citizens, trade unions, policymakers, and education professionals.
  • The second day of the seminar featured a Roundtable on Voices of Unemployed Citizens, where participants shared personal experiences on job loss, employment barriers, and policy shortcomings. This session provided a human perspective on the statistics and policy discussions from Day 1. Another significant session explored e-Democracy as a tool for inclusive employment policies, emphasizing how digital platforms and participatory democracy can shape transparent and citizen-driven labor policies.
  • The event concluded with the official presentation and consolidation of the Citizens Manifesto, ensuring that all perspectives were incorporated into a comprehensive and actionable statement. A final Citizens’ Open Forum allowed for closing reflections, commitments to action, and networking among participants.
  • Fostering dialogue between citizens, policymakers, and employment experts, the RECup Project reaffirmed its commitment to empowering European citizens through civic engagement, policy advocacy, and participatory democracy. The Citizens Manifesto produced during this event serves as a powerful statement to influence employment policies at local, national, and European levels, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by unemployment are heard and represented in policymaking.

The RECup Project, under the European program CERV-2022-CITIZENS-TOWN, hosted its Final European Conference on “e-Participation and e-Decision Making as a Tool for Unemployed Citizens’ Participation” on November 25, 2024, in Bucharest, Romania.

  • The Final European Conference on e-Participation and e-Decision Making served as the culmination of the RECup Project, bringing together policymakers, digital governance experts, social policy analysts, and unemployed citizens to explore how digital tools can enhance civic engagement and influence employment policies. The event provided a platform to discuss digital inclusion strategies, share best practices from across Europe, and formulate policy recommendations for participatory democracy in employment policymaking.
  • The conference began at 09:30 AM, with participants engaging in networking and introductory discussions over coffee. At 10:00 AM, the Opening Remarks set the agenda, highlighting the importance of e-Participation as a tool for employment advocacy.
  • The first keynote speech, delivered by a Policy Expert on Digital Transformation, introduced the potential of e-participation tools to democratize decision-making processes and amplify the voices of unemployed citizens in policy discussions. A follow-up discussion allowed attendees to exchange perspectives on digital inclusivity and the challenges of engaging with policymakers through digital means.
  • At 11:00 AM, a policy analyst facilitated a discussion on Challenges and Opportunities in e-Decision Making, examining barriers such as digital literacy gaps, access to technology, and transparency concerns. Participants debated potential solutions, including expanding digital education initiatives and improving the accessibility of e-participation platforms.
  • A workshop on Practical Tools for Implementing e-Participation Strategies followed at 12:00 PM, providing participants with hands-on experience in digital engagement platforms used at the local, national, and European levels. A case study presentation at 12:30 PM showcased successful e-participation models from various EU member states, emphasizing how digital platforms can effectively integrate unemployed citizens into policymaking.
  • At 1:00 PM, a thematic speech on the Future of e-Decision Making in Social Policy explored how AI-driven policy tools, data analytics, and digital governance mechanisms could shape unemployment benefits, job training programs, and labor market policies. The session underscored the importance of balancing technological innovation with citizen empowerment.
  • After a networking lunch from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, the conference resumed with a debatable discussion on policy recommendations for integrating e-Participation into employment strategies. Experts presented actionable solutions for enhancing digital engagement, ensuring that e-Participation mechanisms genuinely benefit unemployed citizens rather than creating additional barriers.
  • The conference concluded with a networking dinner at 7:30 PM, where participants reflected on the key takeaways of the event and discussed future collaborations to advance digital democracy in employment policymaking.
  • Through thought-provoking discussions and innovative policy exchanges, the Final European Conference of the RECup Project reinforced the role of digital engagement in empowering unemployed citizens. By integrating e-Participation tools into labor policies, the event demonstrated how participatory democracy can be leveraged to ensure inclusive, transparent, and citizen-driven employment strategies across Europe.

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