The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is an eligible country within the Europe for Citizens programme as from 19 March 2009.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia allowing its participation from the budget year 2009 has been signed on 19 March 2009 by an exchange of letters . Participants from this country are therefore eligible for all the application deadlines after 19 March 2009.

The Europe for Citizens programme aims to give the citizen a key role in the development of the European Union. Between 2007 and 2013, its four action areas will provide strategic direction and funding for the task of bringing people closer to the European project.

Promoting Europe’s common values and history, fostering a sense of ownership of the EU among its citizens, and developing ideas and activities with a European context are core components of the programme.

Over its seven-year lifetime, Europe for Citizens will focus on four key actions to bring about change: ‘Active citizenship for Europe’, ‘Active civil society for Europe’, ‘Together for Europe’ and ‘Active European remembrance’.

Action 1, ‘Active citizenship for Europe’, aims to bring people from different parts of Europe together in order to promote mutual understanding, a sense of ownership of the EU and the emergence of a European identity. It focuses on town twinning, as well as citizens’ projects and support measures.

Action 2, ‘Active civil society in Europe’, seeks to help European civil society play a more active role on the European stage by supporting NGOs, trade unions, think tanks, associations, and other non-governmental bodies.

Action 3, ‘Together in Europe’,  works to boost the concept of European citizenship through effective high-profile events that will inspire people to identify with the European project, helping them to realise that values can be shared across national borders. The Commission will also carry out studies, surveys and opinion polls in order to get a better understanding of active European citizenship.

Action 4, ‘Active European remembrance’, seeks to keep the painful memories of Nazism and Stalinism alive in order to provide lessons on the value of the peace, stability and democracy we take for granted in today’s Europe.

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