Vienna, November 23rd 2018

The "We are Europe: Civil Society Meet-Up" is a participatory policy-oriented seminar within the frame of the We are Europe project co-funded by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Commission.

The "We are Europe: Civil Society Meet-Up" is conceived to provide civil society organizations with a chance to share your main priorities in specific fields with other organisations, forge a common view on the main challenges facing civil society in Europe and build long-term solid partnerships with like-minded stakeholders.

Civil Society Meet-Up aims at fostering European citizenship and improving conditions for civic and democratic participation in the future of Europe debate, to create a space of expression for the civil society. 

The Civil Society Meet-Up agenda will be shaped by the participants of the event by preceding online consultation in order to meet at best their interests and expectations.

The programme includes:

• Plenary session debate, focusing on the challenges faced by the civil society in the context of growing populism in Europe "Populism and nationalism in Europe today: causes, trends, impact on European integration."

• Voices from the grassroots: Testimonies from pro-European civil society actors operating in politically hostile environments in different countries - sharing best practices.

• Public debate “Sovereign again trough Europe” organized together with The Spinelli Group, in cooperation with UEF Austria and Europe Direct.

Particular focus will be put on how to foster civil society role as an active player in the run up to the European Parliament elections in May 2019 and in the debate on the Future of Europe.

Please find detailed programme here.

Participation is free of charge. Participants from eligible countries are accepted on a first come first served basis until places are available. 

Civil Society members meeting the following criteria are eligible to participate in the “We are Europe: Civil Society Meet-Up” programme:

• Applying candidate need to be officially be resident in an EU member state, an EU-candidate country, a country being part of the European Economic Area

• Applying candidate must agree with the main objectives of the “We are Europe” scheme and pursue the objective of an ever closer union between European citizens and nations

Participants residing outside Vienna will be eligible to reimbursement of their travel expenses (accommodation and subsistence excluded) 75% and up to a maximum reimbursement of 200 EUR. Reimbursements will be made on the spot and in cash only, upon presentation of proof of payment. Please, don’t forget to bring the original receipts and tickets with you.

Only participants who arrive on time (10:00 at the latest) and attend the entire meeting (10:00-13.00 and 16.00-19:00) are eligible for reimbursement.

If you wish to support UEF work, you are welcome to donate your travel fees reimbursement to the UEF. For more information please address the UEF staff.

Registration is compulsory by Sunday 18^th of November midnight by filling in the registration form.

If you have any question about the We are Europe programme or the We are Europe Meet-Up, please, do not hesitate to get in contact with the UEF Secretariat by mail or telephone.