EUROPE DIRECT Vidzeme

In May 2021, more than 420 EUROPE DIRECT centers started operating across Europe. They form an important link between the EU institutions and citizens, helping to explain what resources and support are available to society, how Europe is coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, how economic development is being promoted through the #NextGenerationEU program, and how to move towards greener and more digital jobs to achieve the goals of climate neutrality. In Latvia, some of the centers have performed similar duties for many years and some of them are newcomers. EUROPE DIRECT centers operate in the following cities: Gulbene (with branches in Madona and Alūksne), Rēzekne, Ventspils, Kuldīga, Jelgava, Jēkabpils, Cēsis and Valmiera.

The Vidzeme Planning Region has become one of the 7 new EUROPE DIRECT centers in Latvia. EUROPE DIRECT Vidzeme, with branches in Cēsis and Valmiera, the main task is to provide the residents of Vidzeme with timely and objective information about the most important current events in Europe, as well as to stimulate discussions among the citizens about the future of Europe. Its duration is planned until 2025.

Title	EUROPE DIRECT Vidzeme
Objectives	- Work actively and continuously with citizens to ensure greater connectivity with the European Union. - Raise citizens' awareness of the benefits of the EU in their daily lives, while highlighting its added value, through a better understanding of how the EU and its parliamentary democracy work and what matters fall within the EU' s remit. - Help identify those aspects of EU policy that are important at local level. - Promote local cooperation with other EU awareness-raising and information networks to ensure that citizens have easier access to information with better territorial coverage. - Promote awareness of EU processes in local schools.
Activities	- Providing information to citizens by organizing various thematic events (seminars, training, publication of information, etc.) as well as providing consultations as needed. - Providing information to local media and disseminators on EU policies and priorities. - Communicating with schools in their area of coverage, both through educational activities and the promotion of official teaching materials about the EU.
Results	- Citizens are informed and involved in EU processes. - Established contacts and stable partnerships with local media and regional networks. - EU processes promoted in local schools.
Budget	Total budget: EUR 175 603
Implementation period	01.05.2021. - 31.12.2025.
Contact person	Maija Rieksta +371 26099521 maija.rieksta@vidzeme.lv eiropassavieniba@vidzeme.lv Facebook: @EUROPEDIRECTVidzeme