Citizens

Thread of Europe 44 – Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029

With the European elections in June, the new institutional cycle of the European Union got underway. On 18 July, the new European Parliament meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg confirmed Ursula von der Leyen as President of the Commission. Before the vote, she presented the Political Guidelines for her new term of office. This is a strategic document that defines the political priorities of the new legislature and will guide the planning of initiatives over the next five years.

The policy guidelines cover specific topics such as the single market, clean industry, circular economy, digitalisation, the European Defence Union, workers’ rights, the fight against poverty, climate adaptation, combating disinformation and strengthening the rule of law.

Von der Leyen stresses the importance of collaboration between EU institutions and Member States to achieve these ambitious goals, also proposing institutional reforms and a more flexible EU budget to prepare the Union for future challenges.

The Europe Direct Emilia-Romagna Centre, which has closely followed this process, has analysed the document presented by President von der Leyen and has drawn up a report available at the following link: https://regioneer.it/filodeuropan44

Edited by Europe Direct Emilia-Romagna.

Cartoons to entertain and educate children

The cartoons of the Gruppo Alcuni of Treviso, how values can entertain children

The Friuli Venezia Giulia Virtual Museum of Design

Founder Anna Lombardi explains the decision to dedicate an online museum to project culture

Podcast: Guarantee Fund ‘AL VIA’

In today’s episode we will talk about the ‘AL VIA Guarantee Fund’ project.

‘AL VIA’ is a financial instrument promoted by the Lombardy Region to support Lombardy’s SMEs. The main objectives of the fund are to revitalise the regional production system, facilitate access to credit for companies and support their modernisation and productive expansion.

This instrument was financed with both European and regional funds. In particular, with the resources of the operational programme fund of the Lombardy Region, through Structural Funds related to the 2014-2020 programming, and the contribution of FinLombarda. The public cost monitored is € 79,450,816.69.

The programme has been very successful, with over 1,000 applications received and more than 600 projects funded, totalling almost EUR 350 million in private investment. The programme has been so successful thanks to the public-private partnership, which has made it possible to expand the number of beneficiaries and to have a positive impact on the Lombardy economy.

Find out more about this important economic project by listening to the ‘EU with YOU’ podcast: https://podcast.areanews24.it/podcast/areanews-eufactor.htm

‘EU with YOU’ is the Eu Factor Next podcast realised by Raduni, the Association of Italian University Radio Operators, to tell citizens at first hand how European funding is spent. In each episode the podcast will tell the story of a project funded by the European Union and its Cohesion Policy on the national territory.

Podcast: ‘Pompeii Project: Phase Two’.

The Pompeii Project is a multidisciplinary initiative to study, preserve and enhance the archaeological site of Pompeii. The second phase of the project focuses mainly on restoration work, archaeological research and sustainable management of the site.

The Pompeii project was a revolution in the field of restoration. The 105 million euro funding has mainly contributed to the securing of the entire site, the restoration of some domus and the rebuilding of the entire structure. The city of Pompeii, despite the restoration work, has never closed during visits. This meant that the works could be a part of the visitors’ experience, ensuring a complete and transparent visit.

The park is visited by so many people every year, with a record number of visitors last year, and as far as security is concerned, the video surveillance system has also been upgraded, which is now equipped with great technology allowing for greater control.

The future presents challenges, especially in terms of maintenance, using new technologies to monitor the climate, the main enemy of Pompeii. The goal is to maintain the level of quality that has been achieved thanks to this funding, to ensure that Italy and the world have one of the most important archaeological sites.

Find out more about this important and innovative project by listening to the podcast ‘EU with YOU’: https://podcast.areanews24.it/podcast/areanews-eufactor.htm

‘EU with YOU’ is the Eu Factor Next podcast realised by Raduni, the Association of Italian University Radio Operators, to tell citizens at first hand how European funding is spent. In each episode the podcast will tell the story of a project funded by the European Union and its Cohesion Policy on the national territory.

In Lombardia, weaker groups are integrated into the world of work

Matteo Bianchi, from Anci Lombardia, explains how the INLAV Lombardia project works

Training as the key to better opportunities for young people

Investing in training means investing in the future, especially of young people

European Social Fund (ESF+) – Clip of Cohesion #84

Clip of Cohesion #84 – We present some updates on the development of the ESF+, which, with a total budget of EUR 142.7 billion for the period 2021-2027, is the main EU instrument supporting the European pillar of social rights.

The Association of Municipalities alongside mayors for governance

Interview with the head of ANCI’s MediaAree project for capital municipalities

Cohesion Department: the importance of European Funds

Interview with Riccardo Monaco, Department for Cohesion Policies – Presidency of the Council