OLYMPICEU Project The European Values Olympiad
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This project has received funding from the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
© 2025 Ellino-Italiko Epimelitirio Athina – Project Coordinator of OLYMPICEU.
Concept and Project Design by Paolo A.M. Ferrise – www.eu20.eu
OLYMPICEU
OLYMPICEU | 4th Trasnational Event
Building Trust Between Citizens and Local Authorities
29 March – 01 April 2026
📍 Crotone - Cirò Marina - Squillace (Italy)
EVENT OVERVIEW
The fourth and final transnational event of the OLYMPICEU project was held across the municipalities of Crotone, Cirò Marina and Squillace and focused on strengthening trust and cooperation between citizens and local authorities.
The event addressed one of the most critical challenges within contemporary democratic systems: the growing distance between public institutions and the communities they serve. In this context, particular attention was given to improving communication, transparency, accountability and active participation within local governance processes.
Through structured dialogue, participatory workshops and collaborative activities bringing together citizens, stakeholders and local authorities from Italy and Greece, the event explored practical approaches aimed at reinforcing mutual understanding and rebuilding trust between citizens and public institutions.
The programme combined institutional meetings, thematic discussions and community-based activities, allowing participants to experience different forms of interaction between citizens and local authorities across the three host municipalities.
As the concluding phase of the OLYMPICEU project, the event contributed to consolidating the participatory methodologies developed throughout the previous project phases and supported the promotion of more inclusive, transparent and trust-based governance models at local level.
OBJECTIVES OF THE EVENT
The event focused on analysing the level of trust between citizens and local authorities, with the aim of identifying communication gaps and structural barriers that still limit effective civic participation.
At the same time, the activities promoted dialogue and collaboration between institutions and communities, encouraging more open, transparent and constructive forms of interaction between citizens and public actors.
A further objective was to support the development of participatory governance models based on accountability, inclusion and continuous citizen engagement within local decision-making processes.
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT
During the five-day programme, participants took part in a broad range of institutional, participatory and cultural activities aimed at strengthening dialogue and rebuilding trust between citizens and local authorities.
The event included public discussions, workshops and participatory sessions focused on transparency, accountability and communication in local governance. Italian and Greek participants were actively involved in exchanges dedicated to improving mutual understanding, encouraging civic interaction and promoting more inclusive forms of democratic participation.
Special attention was also given to collaborative activities designed to explore practical approaches for citizen engagement, institutional cooperation and the use of participatory tools capable of supporting more open and accessible local governance models.
Through these activities, the event contributed to the development of concrete strategies aimed at reinforcing trust, civic participation and institutional interaction at local level.
THEMATIC HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SPEECHES
The speeches and institutional contributions delivered during the event highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between local authorities and citizens through more transparent, participatory and dialogue-oriented governance approaches.
Particular attention was devoted to the role of civic participation in reinforcing democratic trust and encouraging stronger interaction between institutions, communities and local stakeholders.
Several interventions focused on the value of intercultural dialogue and European cooperation as instruments for promoting mutual understanding, social cohesion and active citizenship across different territories.
The discussions also addressed themes related to public accountability, communication practices and the development of more inclusive and accessible civic engagement mechanisms capable of supporting long-term participatory processes.
Participants further underlined the importance of collaborative initiatives, shared local experiences and institutional networking in fostering democratic resilience and sustainable community cooperation at both local and European level.
PARTECIPANTS :
The event gathered a broad and diverse group of participants from both Italy and Greece, including representatives of partner municipalities, institutional authorities, civil society organisations, local associations and members of the wider community.
The programme also involved local stakeholders, civic actors and citizens actively engaged in discussions, cultural exchanges and participatory activities focused on democratic cooperation and community dialogue.
The transnational dimension of the initiative encouraged the exchange of experiences, local perspectives and governance practices, strengthening mutual understanding and reinforcing cooperation between the participating territories.
KEY RESULTS OF THE EVENT :
- Increased awareness of trust and transparency challenges in local governance
- Improved communication and dialogue between citizens and public institutions
- Strengthened cooperation among partner municipalities and local stakeholders
- Promotion of participatory governance practices and inclusive civic engagement
- Enhanced capacity of local authorities to support citizen participation processes
Video Documentation of Institutional Activities: