Establishing Solidarity, Peace and Unity in Europe

The EU underwent a significant economic crisis which became even more overwhelming and intensified by the health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic outburst. In combating Covid-19 in terms of health crisis management, the European Union has been more effective rather than ineffective. But what is happening with those most affected of the crisis in terms of their socioeconomic position? The heaviest price will be paid by those who are already worst off. While the virus does not discriminate, there is a danger that it will impact disproportionately on poorer people and poorer communities, thus exacerbating existing inequalities. HARMONY proposes a bottom-up approach to address the need to empower citizens with strong social safety nets and excellent solidarity systems, but also to reconstruct the infrastructure of civic life. It involves 5 European bodies, brought together to increase, and encourage mutual understanding among their citizens in terms of promoting and facilitating European integration and solidarity. Those local authorities will involve a diverse range of citizens from their local communities in activities designed to recognise the added value the EU and the importance of the sense of belonging to the EU. It is focusing on those citizens from our local communities who are exposed to socio-economic disadvantages, which have been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between European citizens, a stronger cooperation between the municipalities involved in the project and the exchange of best practices, and reinforcement of the role of local authorities in the European integration process. Bringing together citizens from five European municipalities will support a new narrative for Europe, citizen-oriented, equality promoting, forward-looking and constructive that would be more engaging for all citizens, but also for the younger generation, of native and migrant descendant.