Thessaloniki European Youth Capital 2014
Θεσσαλονίκη Ευρωπαϊκή Πρωτεύουσα Nεολαίας 2014
ΝΕWS LETTER #02 JUNE 2013
thessaloniki2014.gr
Newsletter #02 / June 2013
Empowering the Youth The fact that Thessaloniki was awarded the title of “European Youth Capital 2014” is a great success, which rewarded all the participants for the effort they made to structure the candidature programme and claim the title. Foremost, it was an achievement of the city of Thessaloniki that empowered the creative and youthful voices and triggered the most active part of its citizens. One of the main purposes of a European Youth Capital is the motivation of the local youth society. Citizens’ participation is one of our core values. Our main goal and urge is citizens’ active participation with initiatives that highlight the city and its potential. Of course Municipality of Thessaloniki traces the first path in that effort and supports everyone willing to follow. The actions of 2014 are based on the concept of “Time-Chronos”, which refers both to the history and the future of this city. Future prospects, development and a real youth movement, with young people initiators and not spectators of voluntary and social intervention activities, can promote the new face of Thessaloniki; a city of creativity, innovation, culture and solidarity. Yiannis Boutaris Mayor of Thessaloniki
Newsletter #02 / June 2013
European Youth Policies
Discussion at the Onassis Cultural Centre The perspectives of the active participation of young people in politics, was the main topic of the discussion that took place end of May at Onassis Cultural Centre in Athens. The event was co organized by Intelligence Squared Greece and Onassis Cultural Centre with the support of Youth Institute and the British Council, and under the auspices of Thessaloniki European Youth Capital 2014. Speakers from Greece and abroad presented their own experiences and views on how young people can participate effectively in politics. Babis Papaioannou, project coordinator of European Youth Capital 2014, presented Thessaloniki’s proposal for the participation of young people in politics. “This period we perform in Thessaloniki an important and interesting social experiment,” he said and added: “We provide to local youth the opportunity to participate in something that they have designed themselves, which can act as a growth tool for a number of issues that concern us and simultaneously create a positive outlook for the future”. The aim of the city for the next year is as Mr. Papaioannou underlined, “to organize at the Municipality of Thessaloniki, a simple, practical and effective system of communication, consultation and cooperation with the local youth, in order to enable the Municipality, the City Council and the Mayor to listen and cooperate - implement the proposals of the young people of the city “.
The «ErasmusBook» in Thessaloniki Event at the White Tower
On Saturday, the 25th of May the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) clubs of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the State Scholarship Foundation (SSF) and with the support of the organization Thessaloniki European Youth Capital 2014, organized interactive games at the White Tower in order to promote Erasmus program. Through games, «Erasmus Book», «Where was my Erasmus», and «Exchange Ability» many young people had the chance to learn about the mobility opportunities across Europe, offered by the Erasmus program.
Newsletter #02 / June 2013
Europe needs more investment in youth
The main message of the 4th Edition of YO! in Brussels Europe needs more investment in youth: This was the main message of the 4th YO! Fest, which was organized by the European Youth Forum in Brussels. Special guests, representatives of European institutions and voluntary organizations, and many young people attended the event. YO! Fest included discussions, presentations, concerts and various surprises. A radio debate organized in cooperation with Euranet Plus, focused in ‘challenging politicians and young people if youth absenteeism is a threat for democracy?’. Also, a gigantic European Citizens Picnic took place, that was closed with a message from the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy; and the special ceremony for the 25th Anniversary of the EU Youth Programmes that was hosted by the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism, Sport, Media and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou. Isabelle Durant, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mrs Vassiliou and MEP Doris Pack were in charge of releasing balloons that included messages of wishes for more investment in youth.
Moreover, Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, officially launched the ‘League of Young Voters‘. The League of Young Voters aims to tackle the ever decreasing youth participation at the European Parliament elections by increasing the level of youth-related information available about the elections as well as ensure that political parties and candidates focus on issues relevant to young people; particularly related to education, employment and mobility at the European level. Many interactive activities and events were on the Esplanade of the European Parliament, such as debates, workshops and many great music concerts during the festival.
Newsletter #02 / June 2013
CLUJ NAPOCA, European YOUTH CAPITAL 2015 European Youth Week in Romania
Cluj-Napoca in Romania, the city that was awarded the European Youth Capital title for 2015, became the meeting point of young people from all over Europe. Within the European Youth Week 2013 (25 May - 2 June), Cluj organized a seminar on European Capitals. Thessaloniki could not be absent: Representatives of Thessaloniki - European Youth Capital 2014 participated in the seminar and the parallel events that took place in several spots of the Romanian city. Specifically, Thessaloniki shared with NGO representatives from all over Europe the experience of the preparatory procedure of the event of 2014, discussed best practices and tried to outline the “portrait” of the citizen that with his initiatives and active participation in public affairs adds value to his own city.
Additionally, in cooperation with representatives from other countries, representatives of the organization Thessaloniki 2014 presented 2 projects that could attribute in strengthening European capitals. Also in terms of European networking and cooperation, Thessaloniki built on the prior relationship with Braga (Portugal) that was EYC at 2012 and settled the basis for a great cooperation with Cluj as well. As far as the events of the European Youth Week are concerned, representatives of Thessaloniki, became for an afternoon “books” in the “human library” of the Museum Square, and shared with the local community the story of Thessaloniki European Youth Capital 2014. Moreover, the Mohican - logo of 2014, raised great enthusiasm among the representatives of the other organizations and residents of Cluj, who rushed to get photographed with him.
Newsletter #02 / June 2013
Thessaloniki – Berlin, music is our moving power EYC 2014 in the capital of Germany
Thessaloniki European Youth Capital 2014 travelled to Berlin: Representatives of the organization participated in the study trip “Thessaloniki – Berlin: Talking on Creativity”, that took place in the German capital. During the meeting EYC 2014 presented its objectives and priorities of the youth events that are organized for 2014. Representatives from Thessaloniki’s club and music scene, also took part to this trip. This workshop was an initiative of Konrad Adenauer Foundation in cooperation with the Music Committee and the Committee of Music Clubs in Berlin. Music stages and clubs share common characteristics in both cities and are key features of their profiles. The cultural exchange focused on possibilities and effects of music and club culture business - both elements shared by Thessaloniki and Berlin.
The reason that Thessaloniki seeks cooperation with Berlin, is the twenty year experience of the German capital in the field of youth culture, music business, arts and creativity scene and because it is a popular destination for young people from all over Europe.
Thessaloniki European Youth Capital 2014 Maria Κallas 23 GR-54655, Thessaloniki T: +30 2313 318235
www.thessaloniki2014.gr info@thessaloniki2014.gr