Eurovalues Nexus: Empowering European Citizens

This programme aims to deepen participants' understanding of the European Union (EU), European values, and their interconnectedness with European citizenship. It seeks to empower participants to actively engage in a rapidly changing world. 

This SAP Programme is structured in three parts: 

Part One: Online Sessions  

Using online sessions (4) as a springboard, students will critically analyse European values, considering their relevance in the past, present and future of the European Union. Each session will be 2 hours in duration, offering in-depth discussions and interactive activities to explore the interconnectedness between values and citizenship within the EU. 

Part Two: Face-to-Face week at FHV, Austria  

The course's second part, hosted at FHV (Austria), will empower SAP participants and European citizens to translate their theoretical knowledge into practical projects. This phase will highlight the tangible impact of the European Union and European values on citizens' daily lives and on the decision-making processes. The programme aims to stimulate active participation in democratic processes and foster greater awareness of EU citizenship. 

Part Three: Online Wrap up Session Reaching the conclusion of the "Eurovalues Nexus: Empowering European Citizens" SAP, this final online wrap-up session aims to reflect on the shared journey, evaluate the achievements, and consider areas for improvement.

Objectives 

• To provide a comprehensive understanding of the history of the European Union: from 1950 until now. 
• To realise how European values shaped the past, define the present and framework the future of the European Union. 
• To understand the concept of European union citizenship: its creation and its content. 
• To encourage critical thinking and analysis of how these values influence European society. 
• To facilitate the practical application of theoretical knowledge through project-based learning. 
• To promote active participation in democratic processes and enhance awareness of EU citizenship and the importance of being informed and engaged European citizens. 

Context 

This SAP is designed to enhance participants' knowledge, skills, and active engagement with key European themes. By fostering an in-depth understanding of European values, the different dimensions of European citizenship, and the democratic processes of the European Union, the programme equips participants to critically reflect on and contribute meaningfully to Europe's evolving socio-cultural, political, and democratic landscape.  

Participants will explore the historical development, structure, and decision-making processes of the EU, while reflecting on how core values such as democracy, human rights, rule of law, equality, solidarity, and cultural diversity shape a shared European identity and strengthen the notion of European citizenship. 

Through both theoretical and practical approaches, the SAP offers an immersive learning experience where students not only gain knowledge but also develop essential skills that are highly valued in today’s labor market. These include research, teamwork, critical thinking, project planning, written and oral communication, presentation skills, and peer reviewing. 

Moreover, the programme encourages active citizenship, empowering participants to engage in civic life, promote sustainability, advocate for social justice, and foster cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. By interacting with diverse perspectives and cultures, students will deepen their awareness of political, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions of citizenship, preparing them to become informed, responsible, and proactive citizens in a shared European future. 

Skills to be developed during the SAP 

Throughout the SAP, participants will develop a wide range of essential skills that are highly valued in the modern labor market. These skills are cultivated through active engagement with course content, collaborative activities, and reflective practices, all within the broader context of European citizenship and democratic values.  

This SAP aims to empower participants to become active and informed European citizens dedicated to upholding and promoting core European values. 

Participants will: 

• Work collaboratively to achieve common goals, fostering teamwork and a sense of shared purpose; 
• Communicate effectively, both in written and oral forms, in multilingual and multicultural environments; 
• Develop analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to generate innovative ideas, assess information critically, and select the most appropriate solutions for specific challenges; 
• Enhance problem-solving abilities, applying logical reasoning and creativity to real-world scenarios; 
• Strengthen research, analytical, and presentation skills, enabling them to gather, interpret, and present information with clarity and confidence; 
• Engage with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, facilitating the comparison of different cultural perspectives and promoting intercultural understanding; 
• Develop cross-cultural communication competencies, essential for exchanging ideas effectively and respectfully with peers from various national and cultural contexts; 
• Participate in peer-review processes, learning to give and receive constructive feedback, which fosters collaborative learning and personal development. 

Empower yourself to become an active and engaged EU citizen!
Join this programme to deepen your understanding of the European Union, its core values, and their connection to European citizenship. Through a variety of lectures, workshops, role-plays, and simulations, you will collaborate in international teams with students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.