• European Integration under the motto, “People meet people”
• Be a Structural Network
• Organize an Annual Network Meeting
• Stimulate the members to co-operate in different projects
• Stimulate bilateral exchanges between the members
• Stimulate small meetings of member communities throughout the year.
• Get to know each other and each other’s way of life
• Affirmation of unity and co-operation of the member communities.
• Enlargement of the Charter in line with the official enlargement of the EU. Former- and non-EU members could be represented in the network as well.
• Have an efficient, accountable and transparent organisation 

Network

• The network facilitates cross-border interaction, promotes mutual understanding across various domains, and aims to enhance citizens’ connection to Europe

Annual network meeting

• The annual network meeting, organized alternately by member communities, involves mayors deciding future hosts. Each community sends a delegation of up to 8 people, with at least 50% being young individuals. The meeting focuses on a current theme with separate programs for adults and youth, ideally held in the summer

Projects

• Member communities initiate projects and invite other members to participate. Projects should be connected to EU projects, and if possible, co-financed by the EU

Bilateral Contacts

• Every community can initiate bilateral exchanges (in co-operation with Friends of Europe Associations). It is recommended to place a report and photos of these contacts on www.europeancharter.eu

Small Meetings

• Throughout the year, member communities organize 3 to 5 small meetings for both young people and adults. These gatherings allow for focused discussions on specific topics. Every community can host a meeting, with future organizers decided at the annual mayors’ meeting. Each charter member is expected to attend at least one meeting annually. Typically, 2 to 4 participants per country attend, with up to 10 communities visiting the host. The organizing community provides a report for publication on www.europeancharter.eu

Getting to know each other

• To enable people to get to know each other and each other’s way of life optimally, participants in events, exchanges and projects stay at guest families of the organising community or its neighbouring-villages, if this is possible

Affirmation of Unity and Cooperation

• Signing the Charter affirms unity and collaboration among communities. Members must communicate and inform each other. The website www.europeancharter.eu serves for contact, communication, and information publishing. Meeting minutes are available to mayors. Each member appoints a communication officer. The central communication officer (Secretary) is linked to the Presidency. English is the communication language.

Enlargement of the Charter

• With the EU expansion, the Charter welcomes new members. While former and non-EU nations can join, the network doesn’t actively seek expansion beyond the EU. Financial support is only available for members receiving contributions from the EU or other institutes.

• Youth Participation: Young people aged 18 to 30 can join Charter youth meetings
• Investment in Youth: Municipalities and foundations are advised to invest in young people and involve them in the organization
• Youth Coordination Team: The Charter has a team to encourage youth involvement
• Mayors’ Meeting: Held during the annual network meeting to set future policy and share project updates
• Financial Contribution: Members decide annual contributions at the mayors’ meeting.
• Presidium: Comprising 5 to 8 members, including President, Vice-President, and others, serving 4-year terms
• Cissé (France): Always a member due to being the Charter’s founding location
• President Appointment: Appointed by mayors for a 4-year term, with one reappointment possible
• Secretary Support: The President is assisted by an appointed Secretary
• Financial Management: Vice-President oversees financial matters
• Administrative Support: Charter covers real costs, with voluntary roles
• Presidium Meetings: Held periodically to adjust policy and discuss the organization
• Travel Costs: Covered by the Charter for Presidium meetings
• Representation: President and Vice-President(s) handle representation
• Aim Adaptation: The Presidium can adjust aims, informing the Mayors’ Meeting accordingly

• Download the official Aims of the Charter document by clicking here