ELEVATE – Empowering Communities for European Integration

Building stronger communities through citizen participation, local governance and European cooperation

ELEVATE – Empowering Communities for European Integration is funded under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme – Town Twinning. The project brings together local authorities, civil society organisations and citizens from across Europe to explore how stronger local governance and active citizen participation can contribute to a more inclusive, democratic and connected European Union.

Why ELEVATE?

Local communities are at the heart of European democracy. Yet, many municipalities – particularly smaller and rural communities – face challenges in implementing EU policies, engaging citizens in decision-making and creating governance structures that reflect the diversity of their communities.

ELEVATE responds to these challenges by connecting communities across borders and creating opportunities to exchange experiences, share successful approaches and develop practical recommendations for stronger local governance.

The project places particular emphasis on the participation of women, young people and underrepresented or marginalised groups, ensuring that diverse voices are included in discussions about the future of local communities and European integration.

What are the objectives?

ELEVATE focuses on four key objectives:

• Strengthening local governance by supporting municipalities in understanding and implementing EU policies at local level.
• Encouraging meaningful citizen participation in local decision-making and governance.
• Strengthening cross-border cooperation and the exchange of good practices between European municipalities and communities.
• Promoting inclusive and transparent governance, with greater participation of women, youth and marginalised groups.

The ELEVATE Citizens’ Debate in Bansko

The heart of the project will be a two-day Citizens’ Debate in Bansko, bringing together citizens, local and regional authorities, municipal representatives, experts and other stakeholders.

The event will conclude with the development and signing of a Policy Recommendation Document, bringing together the key recommendations and proposed actions emerging from the discussions.

Who is involved?

ELEVATE brings together partners and communities from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania, creating a European space for mutual learning and cooperation. The partnership includes local authorities and organisations representing municipalities and communities across Europe.

The project is designed to engage approximately 250+ direct participants, including invited participants from partner communities and local participants, with a wider indirect reach through dissemination and public outreach.

From Dialogue to Action

ELEVATE is not only about meeting and exchanging ideas. It aims to transform dialogue into practical outcomes.

The project will contribute to:

• stronger cooperation between European municipalities;
• increased awareness of EU citizenship and European integration;
• greater citizen involvement in local governance;
• the exchange of innovative governance practices;
• more inclusive and transparent decision-making; and
• concrete policy recommendations for local and regional authorities.

The project will also produce a Policy Recommendation Document, alongside public event and impact reports and communication materials, ensuring that the knowledge and recommendations generated through the project can be shared more widely.

Together for a More Connected Europe

ELEVATE is built on a simple idea: European integration begins in our communities.

By bringing citizens and local authorities together, creating spaces for open dialogue and connecting communities across borders, ELEVATE seeks to strengthen democratic participation and help build local governance that is more transparent, inclusive and responsive.

From local voices to European action – ELEVATE brings communities together for a stronger Europe.