The results of the European elections in 2019 give reason to be optimistic — indeed, the significantly increased voter turnout and the numerous demonstrations in the streets of Europe show that a majority of citizens want this Europe. However, the political process that lead to the nomination of the President of the European Commission made it clear that we need — now more than ever — to strengthen, empower and encourage the development of the Europe “from the bottom-up”.
Verena Ringler in her article “Einen Bürgerkommissar für die EU, bitte!” strongly argues for a Citizen´s Commissioner in order to represent the citizens with the institutions of the European Union and to give an institutional framework for all the different civil-society activities happening across Europe. On November 8th, the initiative “Cities for Europe”, in cooperation with other civil society initiatives such as A Soul for Europe and Wir sind Europa, organizes a one day-long cooperation meeting in Berlin where we would like to discuss challenges and tasks of a Europe from the “bottom up”. Together with representatives of European cities and stakeholders of civil society, we would like to discuss the impact of the political power of European citizens — as well as the challenges of a European-oriented local policy.
Interested? Join our online debate at medium.com/asoulforeurope and your statements will be accordingly discussed during the “Cities for Europe” cooperation meeting of European Mayors, city representatives and stakeholders of civil society in Berlin.
ropean “Blauer Bär” was awarded for the third time. In the third year, the "Blauer Bär" pays homage to Berlin and Brandenburg initiatives, associations and for outstanding civil society commitment in and for Europe. The prize is awarded by the Senate Administration for Culture and Europe and the Representation of the European Commission in Germany.
To set a sign for diversity and against racism is the aim for the International Weeks against Racism. The action weeks take place every year around the International Day against Racism on March 21 which was established since 1966 by the United States. The foundation „International Weeks against Racism“ requests participation of around 70 institutions and organizations throughout Germany. This year it starts on 13 March 2017 in the Intercultural Centre in Heidelberg. This centre participated through exemplary initiatives to the welcoming culture and the integration process and invites all the institutions and actors of the civil society to engage actively in order to strengthen the diverse urban society. See for further information: 
Europe is fun - at least for the students who participate in the European Competition which is Germany‘s oldest school competition. This competition aims to promote the creativity and Europe-competence of young people. According to the motto of the 64. European Competition (school year 2016/2017) „United in diversity – Europe between tradition and modernity“ it puts the culture into the centre. The pupils are engaged to discover the rich cultural treasure and to deal with the cultural diversity of Europe. There are different questions for different grades. Culture was selected as a topic for the competition by the steering committee because the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is celebrated in 2017. Around 80.000 students take part in the European Competition. Closing date for the works for the European Competition 2017 is the 10th February 2017. You will find further information at: 
How can cities contribute to the strengthening of Europe? How can cities fight borders and prejudice? And how can citizens be filled with enthusiasm for the European Union and go into action against right-wing populist and anti-European movements? These were the central questions of the keynotes, workshops and discussions.
