A new programme called "Citizens for Europe" 2007 – 2013 has been set up. This programme supports a wide range of activities and organisations promoting active European citizenship, especially the involvement of citizens and civil society organisations in the process of European integration. The programme "Europe for citizens" with a total budget of €215 million started on 1 January 2007 and will end on 31 December 2013.

This programme is a contribution to addressing a major challenge of the European Union, namely how to bridge the gap between citizens and the European Union. This programme provides the Union with instruments to promote active European citizenship. It puts citizens in the centre and offers them the opportunity to fully assume their responsibility as European citizens. It responds to the need to improve citizens’ participation in the construction of Europe and will encourage cooperation between citizens and their organisations from different countries in order to meet, act together and develop their own ideas in a European environment which goes beyond a national vision, meanwhile respecting their diversity.

Intercultural exchanges will contribute to improving the mutual knowledge of the culture and history of the European peoples. It will bring our common heritage to the fore and strengthen the basis for our common future. Mutual understanding, solidarity and the feeling of belonging to Europe are indeed the building blocks for the involvement of citizens and are reflected by the four different programme actions:

Action I "Active citizens for Europe" involves citizens directly, either through activities linked to town-twinning or through other kinds of citizens’ projects (at least 45% of total budget to be spent on Action 1). 

Action II "Active civil society for Europe" is targeted to Europe-wide civil society organisations, receiving either structural support on the basis of their work programme or support trans-national projects (approx. 31% of budget to be spent on Action 2). 

Action III "Together for Europe" supports high visibility events, studies and information tools, addressing the widest possible audience across frontiers and making Europe more tangible for its citizens (approx. 10% of budget to be spent on Action 2). 

Action IV  “Active European Remembrance” supports the preservation of the main sites and archives associated with the deportations and the commemoration of the victims of Nazism and Stalinism (approx. 4% of budget to be spent on Action 2). 

The Programme is open to all stakeholders promoting active European citizenship including:

• local authorities and organisations
• thinktanks
• citizens' groups
• civil society organisations
• non-governmental organisations
• trade unions
• educational institutions
• organisations active in the field of voluntary work
• organisations active in the field of amateur sport, etc.

 Some actions of the programme are however targeting a more limited range of organisations. The eligibility of applicant organisations is therefore defined in the Programme Guide specifically for each measure/sub-measure.

For further details: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/citizenship/index_en.htm