EU-THREAD Citizens’ Debatable Festival on “Uniting Minds, Bridging Borders” in Bucharest

From 24 to 26 May 2026, partners and citizens from Romania, Greece, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Italy gathered in Bucharest and Comuna Victoria, Romania, for the EU-THREAD – Coming Together within the EU Integration Tapestry Citizens’ Debatable Festival, entitled “Uniting Minds, Bridging Borders.” The international event formed part of the CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-TT programme and provided an inspiring platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the promotion of European values.

Hosted by ASOCIATIA A.S.E.L. RO, the festival welcomed participants representing municipalities, civil society organisations, and local communities, creating an inclusive environment where citizens could exchange ideas, strengthen international partnerships, and explore the future of European cooperation. The event reflected the overall mission of EU-THREAD: to strengthen citizens’ understanding of the European Union, encourage democratic participation, and foster a stronger sense of European identity through town twinning and intercultural dialogue.

The programme officially commenced with participants arriving in Bucharest, followed by welcome greetings and a networking dinner that offered an excellent opportunity for delegates to become acquainted and begin building relationships before the working sessions.

The second day featured a rich programme of presentations, discussions, and expert contributions. Following the official opening and presentation of the agenda, representatives from each partner country introduced their organisations and highlighted their commitment to promoting active citizenship, solidarity, and European cooperation. These introductory statements demonstrated the diversity of expertise within the consortium while reinforcing the shared vision that unites all partners under the EU-THREAD initiative.

Participants were then introduced to the EU-THREAD project through a presentation outlining its objectives, thematic priorities, and long-term vision. Discussions focused on the project’s eight thematic pillars, which address topics including civic participation, social inclusion, sustainability, innovation, youth empowerment, cultural diversity, mobility, and peace. These themes provided the foundation for meaningful exchanges throughout the event and highlighted the importance of cooperation between European communities.

Throughout the day, expert presentations explored some of the most pressing issues facing Europe today. Sessions examined the importance of strengthening European citizenship, empowering citizens to actively participate in democratic life, and reinforcing inclusive governance across the European Union. A policy expert further encouraged participants to reflect on the future of European democracy and the role that citizens play in shaping resilient and democratic societies.

One of the highlights of the festival was the interactive open discussion entitled “How Can the European Union Reconnect with Its Citizens at the Local Level?” Participants openly exchanged views on what European citizenship means today, the barriers that prevent citizens from participating in democratic processes, the importance of youth engagement, and practical actions that can strengthen solidarity and inclusion across Europe. The dialogue demonstrated the value of participatory approaches in ensuring that citizens’ voices contribute to European policy discussions and future initiatives.

The afternoon concluded with two high-level European presentations focusing on the significance of citizen participation for the future of Europe and the opportunities and challenges facing democracy today. These sessions encouraged participants to consider how local engagement can contribute to stronger democratic institutions and a more united Europe.

Beyond the formal programme, the cultural evening created valuable opportunities for intercultural exchange and networking. Participants shared experiences, traditions, and perspectives, reinforcing friendships and partnerships while celebrating the cultural diversity that characterises the European Union. Such informal exchanges played an equally important role in strengthening mutual understanding and building lasting international cooperation.

The final day included a study visit to Bucharest, where participants gained insights into local governance and decision-making structures. The visit enabled delegates to better understand how democratic processes operate at the local level while exchanging good practices that could be transferred to their own communities. The event concluded with a closing ceremony, during which participants reflected on the achievements of the festival and reaffirmed their commitment to continued European cooperation.

The EU-THREAD Citizens’ Debatable Festival successfully demonstrated how dialogue, cooperation, and citizen participation can strengthen European unity while respecting the diversity of local communities. By bringing together participants from five European countries, the event fostered meaningful discussions, encouraged active civic engagement, and reinforced the shared values that lie at the heart of the European project. The festival represented another important milestone in the implementation of EU-THREAD and further strengthened the partnerships that will continue working together towards a more democratic, inclusive, and connected Europe.