EU ECO Project Event in Križevci, Croatia

EU ECO Project Event in Križevci, Croatia The EU ECO project – “Cooperation and improvement of local knowledge to sustainable places to live” – held its main event from November 6–8, 2025 in the city of Križevci, Croatia, bringing together more than 200 participants from several European countries. The initiative, co-financed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under the CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme, aims to strengthen citizens’ active participation in democratic processes at the EU level, with a particular focus on ecological policies and the objectives of the European Green Deal. Three days dedicated to sustainability, European citizenship, and exchange of best practices Day 1 – Arrival and presentation of local good practices Participants were welcomed to Križevci and introduced to one of the city’s most innovative projects: electric city buses powered entirely by solar energy produced by photovoltaic systems installed on public buildings such as schools, kindergartens, and sports halls. Day 2 – CERV Programme, European identity, and the Green Deal The second day included a rich programme:

• a presentation of the CERV programme and key EU policies;
• a presentation of the EU ECO Project by Krunoslav Đurec, who highlighted the project’s goals of strengthening civic awareness and democratic participation;
• contributions from partner organizations on their work supporting civil society development and environmental protection;
• a panel discussion preceded by a screening of the documentary “Križevci – the city with the smallest climate footprint in Croatia”;
• a presentation by Ivana Šatrak on resilient social infrastructure;
• a cultural exchange activity, including a photo exhibition prepared by students of the technical school from Novi Sad (Serbia), followed by a geocaching activity exploring the history of the city;
• an evening programme showcasing local traditions along with a performance of traditional tamburitza music.

Day 3 – Sustainable and smart food production The event concluded with a round table on smart ecological food production, featuring a presentation of the “Zdravo Križevci” initiative, which connects organic food producers and consumers through a mobile application and web platform. Dissemination and community engagement The event confirmed the importance of European cooperation in promoting sustainable living, civic participation, and environmental awareness. The conclusions developed in Križevci will now be shared within the partner countries’ local communities through Multiplier Events, involving schools, associations, local authorities, and citizens.