Summary
The execution of the current project, Co-funded by European union, allowed the successful realization of a 4-day event, namely a conference and a round table between the 19th and 22nd of June 2018, in the city of Strajica (Bulgaria). This occasion gathered 259 citizens, from which 132 were from the region of Shtip municipality, Macedonia (Project Partner) and 127 from the city of Strajica. The activities associated with the project, as well as the distribution of information involved directly and indirectly around 10,000 people from both countries. Participants were the local communities, representatives of the provincial government, as well as non-government, educational and cultural organizations, employers from both countries and employees or people interested in the spheres related with the main purpose of the project.A conference and a discussion were held during the execution of the event covering the following topics – the refugee crisis and the feedback from citizens, local policies and procedures reflecting the integration, including the culture, education, social sphere, youth inclusion and activities, as well as politics of the EU regarding the refugees. All partners shared their experience and exchanged opinions and ideas. The fact that both Macedonian and Bulgarian languages are very close, allowed all discussions to be held without the need of an interpreter.A round table was held after the conference, where representatives of the local communities, NGO, employers, as well as experts from Shtip and Strajica municipalities, summarized the information gathered during the debates, to analyze the different opinions, fears, potential risks. Also and future activities necessary to continue achieving the objectives of the project, as well as future opportunities for joint co-operation.As a result, was achieved:initiatives to continue the collaboration between the partners, providing the public with more information regarding the refugees, sharing real stories and ways to overcome stereotypes, ways to deal with the dissemination of false information, joint educational projects and other cultural affairs,as well:-Bring together and explore the cultural differences and similarities of both countries, as well as to research some common problems and opportunities for co-operation in different spheres;-Find ways for collaboration between the public, non-government sector, employers and local authorities;-The debates made it possible to identify problems, to exchange experience and opinions regarding the negative impact of the refugee crisis, the tension and worries of the participants, as well as the future expectations and politics in this sphere;-The established network for co-operation and partnership will continue to find solutions in resolving various situations and cases. After the project has been executed, regular visits among the partners have been planned;-The information from the event was summarized and distributed via the network of the partners, to make the results and goals accessible to the public and to allow citizens to participate in the subsequent initiatives;-Motivate and encourage the public to participate in the resolution of problems.The project was able to proof that by participation of the public, it is possible to create initiatives and find solutions. The importance that local communities participate in creating policies to resolve problems not only locally, but on European level as well, was also stressed out;-Attention to the help of the EU in creating one united nation, without division or exclusion.Finally, the project helped to create permanent international relationships, co-operation between the local authorities, the public and all the other participating sides.Encouraged the democratic and civil participation of the public in the EU, improved their understanding of the processes for establishing policies in the EU, as well as for social and multicultural engagement.
