EuroConnect Local Issue Discussions Successfully Concluded!

The final block of the EuroConnect discussion series, the Local Issue Discussions, has been successfully concluded by the EuroConnect team. The main focus of the Local Issue Discussions was on specific local or regional challenges that are closely connected to European policies, norms, and debates. The primary objective of the LIDs was to highlight the local–European nexus by encouraging students to identify practical solutions and map relevant actors at different governance levels (local, national, EU, civil society, and universities) who can contribute to positive change.

The first discussion, held on 15 June, focused on the topic of Digitalization and Local Public Services and was led by Dr. Stefano Braghiroli from the University of Tartu. The discussion addressed subtopics such as citizen participation and digital democracy, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in the provision of local public services.

The second discussion, held on 22 June, focused on the theme of Community Regeneration, with particular attention given to the subtopics of migration and integration, as well as culture in times of financial constraints. The discussion was led by Dr. Lars Keim from the University of Göttingen.

The final discussion, which took place on 29 June, revolved around the issue of Sustainability and explored the subtopics of sustainable mobility and sustainable tourism and cultural events. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Paolo Marzi from the University of Siena.

With the conclusion of the discussion series, the EuroConnect team will now analyse the data collected through the pre- and post-surveys to assess participants’ awareness of civic engagement and civic competences, as well as the impact of the project activities on their learning experience and democratic engagement.