European Neighbours' Day

The European Neighbours' Day is an event placed under the patronage of the Committee of the Regions

Alongside the other European institutions, the Committee of the Regions (CoR) is pursuing its commitment to the implementation of measures to communicate with key European regions and municipalities.

For the third time, the CoR will hold in conjunction with its plenary session (18 and 19 June) a forum aimed to address "communication of EU activity at a decentralised level to networks of regions and cities".

By mobilising the main networks of local and regional authorities along with various profiles of communication professionals in EU affairs, the forum intends to follow up the process of cooperation – launched by the CoR – on decentralised communication coordinated at Member State level, based on exemplary initiatives to provide information to the public within regions and municipalities, whilst feeding into interinstitutional cooperation at EU level.

Practically, the forum offers a platform for exchange of experiences, views, strategies, measures, expectations and needs specific to the field of communication. The format of the event is designed to encourage dialogue and in-depth open discussion of issues (intercultural dialogue, regional policy, Open Days 2008) with a view to more effectively communicating the added value offered by the EU.

The cabinet of Mr Vladimir SPIDLA, European Commission Member, in charge of Employment, social affairs and equal opportunities has informed us that European Neighbours' Day event has been granted the high patronage of the European Commission.

This patronage, a key moral support, is essential for us as it acknoledges the fact that European Neighbours' Day project plays a leading role in the improvement of social relationships fostering solidarity, friendship and cohesion. It contributes to a better living in European societies.

The European Commission declared the year 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. The EYID recognises that Europe's great cultural diversity represents a unique advantage. It will encourage all those living in Europe, particularly young people, to promote an active European citizenship opened on the world. The active involvement of civil society and other stake holders, at a European, national and local level, will be essential in building conditions for people to "live better together". It is as such that Neighbours' Day has been identified as a good practice of the Intercultural Dialogue.

EUROCITIES is the network of major European cities. Founded in 1986, the network brings together the local governments of more than 130 large cities in over 30 European countries. EUROCITIES provides a platform for its member cities to share knowledge and ideas, to exchange experiences, to analyse common problems and develop innovative solutions, through a wide range of Forums, Working Groups, Projects, activities and events.

"By encouraging the inhabitants of a same building or street to get together around a lunch or dinner, to speak to each other and to share their experiences, concerns and interests, the European Neighbours' Day initiative fosters solidarity, friendship and cohesion in our cities. On a different level, the EUROCITIES network of large European cities is pursuing similar goals, as it encourages political and technical dialogue among its member cities, facilitates the exchange of expertise and good practices, and contributes to the emergence of common views among Europe's local governments. It is therefore natural for EUROCITIES to warmly support the European Neighbours' Day initiative."

Gérard Collomb

President of EUROCITIES

Mayor of Lyon

CECODHAS, established in 1988, is the European network for the promotion of the right to decent housing for all. In our membership we have 46 regional and national federations which together represent over 22.000 public, voluntary and cooperative social housing enterprises in 19 countries. All members are non-profit and non-governmental. Together they provide 21 million homes for rent or home ownership. CECODHAS is funded by membership fees.