Understanding EU
The European Union plays a vital role in shaping the policies, economies, and daily lives of millions of people, yet its complexity can make it challenging to understand. Understanding EU is an educational initiative designed to bridge this knowledge gap by helping high school students and teachers engage with and comprehend the EU in an interactive and meaningful way. Through a number of activities, the project transforms learning about the EU into an exciting and immersive experience. By fostering curiosity and active participation, Understanding EU empowers young people to become informed citizens who can critically engage with European affairs.
The project strives to reconsider the relationship between citizens and EU’s legal
language that is often considered to be distant, complicated, and technocratic.
The project aims to:
- Reevaluate the role of legal framework of EU for citizens through dialogue sessions
- Improve citizen’s knowledge to understand EU’s legislation
- Provide improved access to material about basic EU principles in easy language
- Empower citizens to see how EU legislation is linked to their daily life and to core EU values and raise motivation to participate in EU’s democratic life
- Strengthen resilience against dis- and misinformation and political manipulation
Understanding EU’s methodology is based on a participative & co-creative approach living from exchange with citizens from various backgrounds & all ages.
These are the activities to be implemented;
1) Citizens dialogues and an online survey to rethink the future of an inclusive EU legislation
2) Awareness-raising events for policy makers to promote the use of easy language
3) Creation of knowledge bits and the digital lexicon to explore EU’s principles
4) Online feedback seminars and knowledge party to go on a virtual journey through Europe
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness and understanding of the EU’s functions.
- Improved critical thinking and debating skills among students.
- Enhanced collaboration between students and teachers in EU-related discussions.
- Greater appreciation of the EU’s influence on everyday life.
The Understanding EU project is an innovative approach to making European studies more engaging and accessible. By combining education with interactive elements, it helps students develop a deeper connection with the EU and its impact on society.
The consortium wants to reach out to individuals of all ages and backgrounds who seek to better understand EU laws and principles and how they are affecting their daily lives.
For more information, visit the project website