The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council gave the green light to designate 2015 as the European Year for Development.
The motto of the year will be “Our world, our dignity, our future”.

On that occasion, Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs stated that the European Year will provide “an unparalleled opportunity for us to engage with EU citizens, to showcase our strong commitment to eradicating poverty worldwide and to inform them how every euro of support helps to make a difference in the lives of so many, in some of the world’s poorest countries.“

Source: Manifestation pour l’Europe. Strasbourg: Photothèque Parlement européen, 1972. Noir et blanc.
Copyright: Photo Parlement européen

In view of the forthcoming European elections (22–25 May 2014), the CVCE has compiled a selection of resources (explanatory texts, photos and graphics) and oral accounts on the European Parliament from its establishment in 1952 to the present day. In this way, the CVCE hopes to help improve public awareness of the European Parliament and contribute to a greater understanding of the issues surrounding the European elections.

For further information, consult CVCEs special page on the history of the European elections.

Four weeks before the European Elections (22nd-25th May), the Robert Schuman Foundation has published an assessment of the 7th legislature of the European Parliament (2009-2014).

This study highlights data published in the mid-mandate assessment undertaken at the beginning of 2012. The balance of power between political groups, an analysis of the quantitative action taken by parliament and the national delegations’ work are assessed. This is followed by an evaluation of the major issues that have marked this term.

Assessment of and lessons learnt during the 7th Legislature of the European Parliament 2009-2014

There is in every European’s mind the image of a painting which bears a peculiar importance in his national history. Some of those paintings could be found on national banknotes, others still figure on postcards, in adverts or on CD covers. There was the need to reconstitute a European overview on our collective patrimony. When Picasso meets Turner or Delacroix, when Rembrandt appears closed to Munch, Bruegel, Klee or Klimt, this is the expression of a rich culture which can’t remain divided in isolated areas.

This list of European renowned paintings offers you the opportunity to appreciate our European inheritance.

On April 15th, the Council of the European Union has unanimously adopted the Regulation setting up the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014-2020.

Next steps:

• Publication of the Regulation setting up the programme in the Official Journal and entry into force the same day (by the end of April);
• Establishment of the programme committee, adoption of its rules of procedure and of the annual work programme for 2014 that includes the annual priorities for 2014 (by beginning of May).
• Publication of the programme guide that includes information on funding opportunities, application procedures and a calendar for the submission of applications (by beginning of May). The first deadline for submission of applications for town twinning projects, networks of twinned towns and remembrance projects is provisionally set for 4 June 2014; the second deadline for submission of applications for town twinning projects, networks of twinned towns and civil society projects is provisionally set for 1 September 2014.
• Selection of the beneficiaries of Operating Grants offered through the funding programme, and signature of the associated award decisions (June).

For more information:

Europe for Citizens Programme websites:

http://ec.europa.eu/citizenship/

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/europe-for-citizens_en