From 6 to 9 September 2024, the inaugural meeting of the DEMOCRACYWISE project, funded by the European Union through the CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) programme, was held in Orte, Italy. Coordinated by the Cultural Association Lighthouse Languages, the project involves partners from seven European countries: Italy, Cyprus, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Ireland and Hungary.
DEMOCRACYWISE aims to strengthen the democratic participation of citizens and increase the resilience of communities against disinformation. In a European context increasingly threatened by the spread of fake news and misleading content, the project aims to equip citizens with the necessary tools to critically navigate the contemporary media landscape, while promoting inclusive and intergenerational dialogue.
Start of the Inaugural Meeting in Orte
The meeting opened with a public session at the Palazzo Roberteschi in Orte, attended by project partners and local actors. During the morning session, the objectives and actions of the project were presented, together with an introduction on the Call for Civil Society Projects and the CERV programme. Discussions took place on the ‘perceived democracy gap’ in Europe and how DEMOCRACYWISE intends to bridge this gap through a series of educational and community-building activities. Each partner presented their role and contribution, followed by a debate and question-and-answer session.
In the afternoon, the team participated in team building activities and an operational meeting. This provided an opportunity to further discuss the schedule of activities, content, methodologies and dissemination strategies for the project. The meeting aimed to create a cooperative environment among the participants, fostering collaboration and the exchange of good practices.
A Moment of Cultural Sharing at the Octava Medievale
One of the most significant moments of the day was the participation in the traditional celebration of the Ottava Medievale in Orte. A number of delegates dressed up in medieval costumes and took part in the parade together with the city’s seven contrade, fostering greater integration with the local community and giving visibility to the DEMOCRACYWISE project.
Results Achieved by the Kick-Off Meeting
– **Creation of a Collaborative Environment:** Participants from different EU countries met and established strong working relationships, laying a solid foundation for future project activities.
– **Launch of the DEMOCRACYWISE Project:** The event kicked off discussions on the main theme of the project, addressing the perceived democratic deficit in Europe.
– **Recognition of EU Support:** The meeting emphasised the support of the European Union, introducing the Civil Society Projects Call and the CERV programme to local actors.
– **Operational Planning:** A detailed project roadmap was drawn up, with clear objectives and established methodologies for the next 24 months.
– **Greater Dissemination and Local Involvement:** Participation in a city event allowed the project to reach a wider audience, promoting awareness and support within the community.
**Next Activities of the DEMOCRACYWISE Project**
Over the next 24 months, the consortium will implement several key activities, including international workshops, local awareness-raising events and citizens’ panels. These activities will equip participants with the necessary skills to counter disinformation and actively engage in democratic processes. DEMOCRACYWISE is not just a project, but a movement to build a stronger and more resilient democracy in Europe, where every citizen is valued and encouraged to contribute to the future of the Union.
