European citizenship: not just words but concrete rights

"European citizenship ... not just words but also concrete rights": Information campaign of “Open Youth”, supported by DG "Justice, freedom and security" ot the European Commission After visiting Romania and Germany, the European Commission information campaign for European citizenship comes to Bulgaria under the motto: "European citizenship: not just words but also concrete rights." The campaign is in the form of a presentation roadshow which will visit 20 Bulgarian cities for the period 11th – 22nd of  November 2008. It aims to inform the Bulgarian citizens about their rights as citizens of the European Union - rights defined in the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights. "The more European elections nearing, the more important for citizens of member states of the European Union, to realize their rights as European citizens," said Mr Jacques Barrot, Vice-president of the European Commission. "Need to raise awareness of Europeans about their rights, to be given the opportunity to enjoy these rights in any of any Member State and throughout the world."Through this campaign we hope to increase protection, better understanding and respect the rights of EU citizens. EU citizens can vote and be elected to local and European elections in the Member State in which they reside, their have right to good administration from the European institutions, access to the Union and petitions to the European Parliament, diplomatic and consular protection by any EU member state in case a problem somewhere where the country, whose nationality the citizen is, has no representation. Last, but not least, right to reside and move freely throughout the European Union. The information campaign will start today, 11 November 2008, with a press conference in the building of the European Commission in Sofia and will pass through 20 Bulgarian cities (see list below). It must cover a total 12 000 citizens from all age groups. To involve and inform maximum number of visitors the traveling stands, bearing the symbols of the European Union, will be located in public places outdoors where their visitors can participate in interactive games related to the topic of European citizenship and ask their questions. They will have the opportunity to test and deepen their knowledge about their rights as European citizens and will receive numerous gifts (brochures, mini-books and envelopes with promotional materials). The first stage of the campaign was held in Romania last September and attracted around 25 000 citizens in 40 cities. Information second tour passed through Germany and Slovakia and Slovenia will be visited in 2009. For further information: http://www.evrograjdanstvo.eu/bulgaria/index_bg.htm North arch • Nov. 12 Vidin • Nov. 13 Montana • Nov. 14 Vratsa • Nov. 15 Pleven • Nov. 16 Gabrovo • Nov. 18 Veliko Tarnovo • Nov. 19 Ruse • Nov. 20 Shumen • Nov. 21 Dobrich • Nov. 22 Varna South Arch • Nov. 12 Sofia • Nov. 13 Pernik • Nov. 14 Blagoevgrad • Nov. 15 Pazardzhik • Nov. 16 Plovdiv • Nov. 18 Haskovo • Nov. 19 Stara Zagora • Nov. 20 Sliven • Nov. 21 Yambol • Nov. 22 Burgas