About This Project

DOCPIE

Democratic Ownership and Civic Participation in Europe

Europe for Citizens – Democratic engagement and civic participation

January 2015 – December 2015

The project DOCPIE focuses on increasing public interest on and the understanding of EU politics and its democratic processes. DOCPIE focuses on the four major elements needed for increased democratic participation: greater education on how the EU works, promotion of more active EU citizenship, nurturing the idea of a European identity and the inclusion of more accepting societies.

To counteract increasing voter apathy and disassociation with European politics, DOCPIE investigates the role of European citizenship and identity perceived by different communities. Ranging from students to senior citizens, all with different backgrounds, participants are invited to exchange views and share their dreams and hopes about the future of Europe. Most importantly, they are invited to take ownership in shaping Europe’s future.

The project brings together 15 organizations from more than 13 member states and aims to:
Research current trends and points of view on the EU and its future from a diverse target group including students and senior citizens.

•  Develop guidelines for creating and owning an EU identity amongst various target groups.
  Raise awareness on active citizenship and volunteering.
• Create partnerships between participating cities to enhance a common European identity, while also remembering our shared history.

Under the DOCPIE umbrella, Jugend & Kulturprojekt e.V. organized the NEXT STEP, an international fair for voluntary work, traineeships and internships in Germany and abroad.

International partners:

Društvo za razvoj podeželja LAZ (Association for rural development LAZ) – Slovenia
Asociatia Sportiva Culturala si Turistica – ASCT Turia (Sport and Tourism Association) – Romania
Kistarcsa Város Önkormányzata (Municipality of Kistarcsa) – Hungary
Madarsko Kulturno Drustvo Arany Janos (The Hungarian Cultural Society Arany Janos) – Croatia
Gmina Radomysl nad Sanem (Municipality Radomysl nad Sanem) – Poland
Inštitúcia regionálnych aktivít Novohradu (Institution of regional activities Novohradu) – Slovakia
Opstinska uprava Backa Topola (Munuicipality of Backa Topola) – Serbia
Omilos Unesco Serron Ellados (Club Serres for Unesco) – Greece
Dimos Serron (Municipality of Serres) – Greece
Veliko Turnovo Municipality, Bulgaria
Comune di Verona (Municipality of Verona) – Italy
CRDLSAlbania (Center for regional and local development studies) – Albania
Association Civil Centre for Sustainable Development EGRI – FYROM
Budapesti muszaki es gazdasagtudomanyi egyetem (Budapest University of Technology and Economics) – Hungary