Charter of European Rural Communities
Uniting Cultures, Forging Friendships
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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
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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
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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.
Importance of Meetings:
- 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
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
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