Migrant Integration Center Brașov joins the European project “Citizenship Academy” to strengthen migrants’ democratic participation
The Migrant Integration Center Brașov is pleased to announce the launch of Citizenship Academy – Building Democratic Participation Among Migrant Communities, a new European initiative funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme of the European Union. Over the next 24 months, the project will bring together partners from Spain, France, Italy, and Romania to empower migrants to become active participants in democratic life and contribute to more inclusive communities across Europe.
The project officially began with an international seminar and kick-off meeting held in Vicenza, Italy, where project partners shared good practices, discussed common challenges, and planned the implementation of activities in each participating country. The meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to promote civic participation, leadership, and dialogue between migrant communities and public institutions.
Across Europe, many migrants remain underrepresented in civic and political life despite playing an important role in their local communities. Citizenship Academy aims to change this by providing practical training on European values, rights and responsibilities, advocacy, civic leadership, and democratic participation. Participants will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to engage with local decision-makers, contribute to public debates, and become active citizens in their communities.
Throughout the project, partners will organise thematic workshops, local debates, awareness campaigns, and a podcast series entitled “Voices of Change”, showcasing inspiring stories of migrants who have become engaged in civic life. The project will also foster collaboration between migrants, civil society organisations, local authorities, and policymakers, creating sustainable networks that continue beyond the project’s lifetime.
As the Romanian partner, the Migrant Integration Center Brașov will organise local training activities and public discussions designed to encourage migrants living in Romania to better understand democratic processes, exercise their rights, and actively participate in shaping the communities in which they live. Through its experience in supporting the integration of third country nationals, MIC will also contribute to the exchange of good practices at European level and help develop innovative approaches to migrant civic engagement.
The Citizenship Academy consortium is coordinated by Jovesólides (Spain) and brings together ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy (France), Cazalla Intercultural (Spain), Cooperazione Paesi Emergenti – CO.P.E. (Italy), and the Migrant Integration Center Brașov (Romania). Together, the partners share the common vision that stronger democracies are built when everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their country of origin.
We look forward to sharing the project’s activities and opportunities over the coming months and invite migrants, local stakeholders, and members of the community to follow our updates and become part of this important initiative.
