Consolidation of European identity, citizenship and values represents a perpetual process.
UNITA is committed to contributing to this process by outlining the key factors relevant in updating the concept of European identity. We can consider, for example: social and cultural diversity, including elements of a linguistic nature and cultural heritage, in line with the European motto “Unity in diversity”; and the awareness of challenges related to sustainability (and climate change, currently managed globally by Europe), which is highlighted centrally in the UNITA project, especially regarding development of rural areas and mountain regions.
Within this process, the perspective on European citizenship and the specific identity of some social groups considered disadvantaged, for example migrants and refugees, European citizens outside the Union space and citizens of other continents, is vital, of prime importance in expanding the inclusive character of these notions. It is necessary to give increased interest to citizens residing in rural areas (especially mountain areas) because factors such as isolation and demographic decline can generate the alteration of their sense of belonging to the European space.
For its realization, the objective will be outlined through three main directions, in this case:
- an extensive analysis will be carried out through workshops, contests, with the aim of collecting and bringing together the different perceptions of European citizenship among UNITA students (including non-EU citizens) and the rural population, considering with priority to the three previously mentioned factors: cultural and linguistic diversity; awareness of sustainability challenges (and climate change); the perspective of specific groups, such as the population in rural areas and mountain areas.
- a line of research having as its purpose the valorization of the results of the analysis of European perceptions and realities, by organizing three conferences and matching events with dedicated themes.
- courses on the theme of European citizenship, organized for UNITA students and staff. A specific reflexion is carried out on further integrating European citizenship and identity into UNITA curricula. The beneficiaries of the courses, namely students and UNITA staff, will be encouraged to disseminate their content to specific target groups, such as high school students, migrants, refugees and the rural population.
All activities are intended to contribute to the central positioning of the concept of European citizenship for the UNITA community and for the societies in which it is integrated. It is necessary that the process of consolidating the concepts of citizenship, identity and European values is perceived to be an updateable approach, through consultations, research and teaching. After assessing the impact of the activities planned to be carried out in the 2020-2023 timeframe, UNITA aims at long-term sustainability, namely the projection of the expansion of the consultation tools launched in the first three years and the opening to the members of its community, but also to society as a whole.
