EUxFUTURE Kicks off with an Inspiring First Meeting in Marseille!
On 23rd and 24th of April 2025 participants from 5 partner organizations were brought together for the first time in an enriching two-day session meeting at the Institut Méditerranéen de Formation, Recherche et Intervention Sociale (IMFRIS) in Marseille, France, marking the beginning of the EUxFUTURE project, aimed to reflect around the construction of the European Union and to build paths for the future, celebrating the 75th year of the Schuman Declaration. The overall purpose of this project is to improve the European population’s knowledge and understanding of Europe’s common history and how it has impacted on the lives of European citizens.
During these two dynamic days, partners had the opportunity to engage in collaborative working sessions aimed at sharing the project’s key objectives and developing concrete strategies for the envisioned activities.
Throughout the sessions, partners worked together on the first key actions of the project included in Work Package 1. These include:
- Video testimonies: A series of 5 short interviews will be recorded across partner countries to capture personal stories and reflections on European integration from people aged 70–80 years olde. The aim is to reflect the diversity of experiences within the construction of the EU, featuring voices from generations who witnessed its development.
- Photo exhibition: A visual journey through the major milestones of EU history will be curated collectively, with archival and personal images that illustrate the changes and transformations during the EU construction.
- Intergenerational roundtables: These events will bring together younger and older participants to reflect on their experiences and visions of Europe. To strengthen the diversity of viewpoints, each partner will invite at least two people from another EU country out of the consortium. We believe this event will facilitate intergenerational dialogue on recent European history and its impact on the lives of citizens.
The two days in Marseille were also a chance to strengthen bonds between partners, laying the groundwork for a collaborative process ahead. Informal moments, whether during a shared meal or a tasty coffee break with plenty of delicatessen from each partner country, helped build trust and enthusiasm across the consortium.
Looking Forward
With creativity, dialogue, and participation at its core, the EUxFUTURE project is now fully launched! The next steps will see the translation of these ideas into concrete actions across the different partner countries starting with the testimonies of older people. Our next meeting is set for February 2026 in Budapest, where we’ll come together again to plan Work Package 2 activities which aim to give visibility to European history using artistic expression as an educational tool through a participatory mural representing key events and moments in the European integration process.
Stay connected and follow our journey on social media via the hashtags:
#EUxFuture #Europeanhistory #EUintegration #MyEUStory #CERV #Europeanproject
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.