about us
Uniting Cultures,
Forging Friendships
Organization Overview
- We are an organization comprising 28 towns and villages from across Europe
- Each town or village is represented by their municipality or council
- Only one town or village represents each country
- Our member community is unique to their own country.
- We were founded in 1989 with 12 villages, inspired by the French village of Cissé and the European Union’s Twinning process.
- Unlike typical twinning processes, we partner with every country in the European Union
Membership Expansion
- As the European Union has grown, so has our organization
- When a country joins the European Union, we invite a village or municipality from that country to become part of our family
- Our most recent new members are Svoge in Bulgaria and Tisno in Croatia
Our Meetings
People Meet People
- Our organization gathers multiple times each year, hosted by one of our member towns
- The Annual Meeting during the summer is significant
- Eight Youth and Adult Delegates from each member municipality represent their country
- The meeting spans five days
- Additionally, we hold smaller Adult and Youth Meetings throughout the year
- These are hosted by various member municipalities
- Four delegates from select member municipalities attend.
- These gatherings provide a platform for celebrating culture, sharing daily life experiences, and fostering connections.
- Each Small Meeting lasts four days
our plans
- These meetings serve as vital connections for European citizens
- They facilitate the creation and renewal of strong friendships
- Activities include staying with host families, which is integral to the European Charter
- Host families offer an immersive experience in the host country’s culture
- Conversations and shared daily life experiences at the kitchen table forge lifelong friendships
quick facts
Youth and Adult Programme
Citizens for Europe Programmes
These two-year programs, arranged with the European Commission, aim to explore what it means to be European from the perspective of small communities.
Through formal discussions and programs, we delve into topics related to society, economy, and the environment.
Each chosen theme runs for two years, with sub-themes addressed at each meeting.
The focus is on current and relevant issues trending across Europe during that time.
Youth programme
Youth Programme
Like the Adult Programme, the Youth Programme also runs for two years.
It is managed and coordinated by the YCT.
The results of the Youth Programme are submitted to the European Commission.
Impact on Youth
For participating youth, it goes beyond learning about Europe.
They discover that cultural differences do not create divisions
They believe that hard work and cooperation can help them achieve their goals.
Youth become more tolerant and accepting, broadening their horizons beyond their home countries.
They recognize a world of opportunities beyond borders.
Friends of Europe
Connecting Europe
As the European Union expands with new member countries, our role becomes more relevant in fostering connectivity.
The birth and growth of the Friends of Europe Associations are integral to our Charter, promoting friendships across the continent.