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The Social Innovation & Cohesion Institute (Fifty-Fifty) & the Municipality of Voio organized the Town-Twinning event entitled “EUNITY-European Citizens Brotherhoods Express and Nurture the Europe's Future they Want” as part of the CERV program. The event took place in Siatista & Kastoria, on 18 to 20 May, 2026.

The Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute, representing the Municipality of Voio, organized the Town Twinning event entitled "EUNITY – European Citizens Brotherhoods Express and Nurture the Europe’s Future they Want" under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme. The event took place in Kastoria and Siatista, Greece, from May 18 to 20, 2026.

With a strong commitment to promoting democratic engagement, civic participation, and European unity, the Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute successfully hosted the EUNITY conference from May 18 to 20, 2026. The event brought together citizens, municipal representatives, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and policy experts from across Europe to reflect on the future of the European Union and strengthen the bonds between European communities through dialogue, solidarity, and mutual understanding.

The partner consortium included six countries: Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Italy. The partners were second-level local government bodies (municipalities): Municipality of Menges (Slovenia), Municipality of Devnya (Bulgaria), Comune di Martano (Italy), as well as ngos representing their respected municipalities, such as Udruga za Odrzivi Drustveni Razvoj i Volonteriza (Croatia), Udruzenje Slovenaca Triglav (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the associated partner Association for European Projects in Bulgaria (Bulgaria), and the coordinator Social Innovation & Cohesion Institute (Fifty-Fifty) representing the Municipality of Voio.

The three-day EUNITY conference, held in Kastoria and Siatista, Greece, focused on fostering a stronger sense of European identity through citizen participation, democratic dialogue, and intercultural exchange. Participants explored contemporary challenges facing Europe, including democratic engagement, social cohesion, gender equality, youth participation, and the future direction of the European project.

The event officially began with the arrival of participants in Kastoria. Following registration, representatives of the organizing bodies welcomed delegates and introduced the objectives of EUNITY, emphasizing the importance of citizen-led engagement in shaping a more inclusive and democratic Europe. The opening remarks highlighted the project’s vision of building a stronger European community through cooperation among towns and municipalities from different cultural and geographical backgrounds. The evening concluded with a welcome dinner.

Day 2 marked the core of the conference programme. After registration, participants attended an introductory session outlining the agenda and discussing the broader objectives of European integration. Speakers reflected on the historical achievements of the European Union, its role as a peace and democracy project, and the importance of preserving citizen participation as a cornerstone of European governance.

Representatives from each partner organization then presented their municipalities and communities, sharing local perspectives on European cooperation and civic engagement. The session demonstrated how local initiatives can contribute to strengthening European values while addressing community-specific needs.

Following a networking coffee break, the programme shifted towards intergenerational and inclusive perspectives on Europe’s future. A youth representative delivered a speech entitled “What Europe Means to My Generation,” highlighting the aspirations, concerns, and expectations of young Europeans.

The next session focused on gender equality and civic participation. A distinguished woman leader and activist delivered a keynote address on “Breaking Barriers: Gender Equality in Civic Life,” exploring the progress achieved across Europe while acknowledging the persistent challenges that women continue to face in leadership and public decision-making.

In the afternoon, the program addressed some of the most pressing questions concerning Europe’s democratic future. A policy expert delivered a keynote speech on “The Future of European Democracy,” examining emerging challenges such as political polarization, declining trust in institutions, digital transformation, and the need for stronger citizen engagement mechanisms.

This was followed by two high-level European policy sessions. The first explored why citizen participation remains essential for the future of Europe, presenting examples of successful participatory initiatives. The second session, “Democracy Under Pressure: Challenges and Opportunities,” examined contemporary threats facing democratic societies while identifying opportunities for innovation, civic empowerment, and institutional renewal. Throughout these discussions, participants were encouraged to exchange views and reflect on practical ways of increasing citizen involvement in democratic processes at both local and European levels.

On Day 3, activities moved to Siatista, where participants engaged in a study visit to the Municipality of Voio and relevant decision-making departments of the Region of Western Macedonia. The visit provided valuable insight into local governance structures, public administration practices, and community engagement mechanisms. Municipal officials presented examples of local initiatives aimed at promoting social welfare, solidarity, and citizen participation.

The study visit was followed by an open discussion with local policymakers focusing on social welfare policies, community resilience, and solidarity initiatives. Participants exchanged experiences regarding the challenges facing European communities and explored innovative approaches to supporting vulnerable populations and fostering social cohesion.

The event concluded with a lunch and closing ceremony, during which participants reflected on the knowledge gained throughout the three days. Speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining the partnerships established through EUNITY and continuing the dialogue initiated during the event. Participants expressed their commitment to promoting democratic engagement, intercultural understanding, and active citizenship within their own communities.

Across all sessions, EUNITY provided a dynamic platform where citizens, local authorities, experts, and civil society organizations could engage in meaningful dialogue about Europe’s future. By combining policy discussions, cultural exchange, experiential learning, and citizen participation, the event successfully reinforced the values of democracy, solidarity, inclusion, and European cooperation.

The outcomes of the event included strengthened partnerships among participating municipalities, enhanced cross-border understanding, new opportunities for future collaboration, and a shared commitment to promoting active citizenship and democratic participation across Europe. These achievements represent important steps toward building a more united, resilient, and citizen-centered European Union.

In conclusion, the EUNITY event demonstrated the vital role that citizens and local communities play in shaping Europe’s future. Through open dialogue, intercultural exchange, and collaborative learning, participants deepened their understanding of European values and developed new ideas for addressing common challenges. The Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute, together with its European partners, created an inspiring space for cooperation and democratic engagement, laying the foundations for future initiatives that will continue to strengthen European unity, solidarity, and civic participation.