local and regional authorities working to foster eu citizenship on the road to the european year of...

Study on the Role of Local and Regional Authorities in Promoting EU Citizenship

and Citizens RightsLocal and regional authorities working to foster EU

citizenship on the road to the European Year of Citizens 2013 June 27 2012

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Overview

Study aims and research plan Some initial findings CSES team contacts

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Study aims

Investigate the role of Local and Regional authorities in promoting citizens’ rights connected with EU citizenship and citizens’ rights

Identify and assess examples of good practice that can be replicated by other local and regional authorities

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Research plan

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Main research activities

An online survey was launched in May and will be run until mid-July 2012. The questionnaire is available in 23 EU languages.

http://www.cses.co.uk/surveys/eu-citizenship-and-citizens-rights/

Interviews and case studies are being undertaken with Local and Regional Authorities to identify policies to promote EU citizenship and citizens’ rights in more detail and to identify good practices.

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Survey responses (as at 26 June)

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Responses by country (26 June)

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Awareness of right to vote/stand as candidate in European Parliament and local elections

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Trends in citizens of other Member States voting in European Parliament and local elections

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Awareness of right to free movement and residence in the EU

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Awareness of right to complain to the ombudsman and to petition European Parliament

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Main obstacles to exercising rights

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Overall how aware are people of their rights as EU citizens?

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Best practices examples

City of Krefeld, Germany - right to free movement and residence The City of Krefeld as a part of the euregio which covers nearby areas of

Germany and the Netherlands. To promote cross-border working and other contacts, the City authorities provide information and advice on local and regional labour market, education and training, and business opportunities. A dedicated website in German and Dutch language has been set up to help do this. There is also a special telephone line in both languages to provide information and advice.

Centre for Citizenship Education (NGO), Poland – Electoral rights The project took place shortly before the elections to the EP and focused

on young people in eight cities (4 Polish and 4 abroad). 400 people aged 14 to 17 years took part in the project, preparing a campaign for fictional EP candidates. The project aimed to raise awareness about the EP, other EU institutions.

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Next Steps

Completion of survey work Further case study interviews First draft report (16 July)

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CSES team contacts

Jack Malan – Partner (jmalan@cses.co.uk) Natalia Cecot, Project Manager (ncecot@cses.co.uk) Daniel Beresford, Consultant (dberesford@cses.co.uk) Michael Richardson, Consultant (mrichadson@cses.co.uk)