The eighth event of the project “30 Years of Maastricht: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Europe” took place in Pilea-Hortiatis, Thessaloniki (Greece), from September 10 to 13, 2025. The meeting gathered over 67 participants, including delegates from Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Italy, and France, alongside numerous local citizens and youth representatives from Thessaloniki. The central theme of this meeting was “The Relationship of Technology and European Citizenship”, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities that digital transformation brings to democratic participation and civic engagement.
The event’s objectives were to explore how technology influences modern citizenship, promote digital democracy and responsible online behavior, and encourage critical reflection on the impact of social media on public opinion. Specific goals included strengthening cooperation among European and local participants, engaging youth in democratic dialogue, and deepening understanding of the Maastricht Treaty’s enduring role in shaping European identity.
Participating delegations included the Municipality of Moletai (Lithuania), Asociación Tiraboleiros (Spain), União das Freguesias de Foz do Sousa e Covelo (Portugal), Dimos Pileas-Hortiatis (Greece), Local Council Tas-Sliema (Malta), Obstina Mezdra (Bulgaria), Tumbarinos di Gavoi and Comune di Gallodoro (Italy), and Association La Didine (France). The group comprised mayors, municipal representatives, teachers, youth workers, students, and civic leaders, reflecting a diverse and inclusive exchange of perspectives.
The program was rich and participatory:
Wednesday, September 10:
- Arrival of participants at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), hotel check-in at Egnatia Hotel, and a welcome dinner and introduction session.
Thursday, September 11:
- Opening speeches at the Pilea-Hortiatis Town Hall by Deputy Mayor Despoina Lypiridou and Mayor of Moletai Saulius Jauneika.
- Workshop: “Citizenship and Digital Democracy: Exploring the Relationship Between Technology and Participation,” introduced by delegations from France, Spain, Lithuania, and Italy (Sicily).
- City tour of Thessaloniki, including key cultural landmarks such as the White Tower and Aristotelous Square.
- Dinner
Friday, September 12:
- Visit to the 2nd High School of Pilea, with a presentation by the principal and students.
- Seminar: “Citizenship in the Digital Age – How It Affects the Formation of Public Opinion,” with interventions from Malta, Bulgaria, Italy (Sardinia), and Greece, as well as insightful presentations by students.
- Group photo, classroom visits, and exchange with teachers.
- Evaluation of the meeting’s outcomes.
- Distribution of certificates and farewell dinner.
Saturday, September 13:
- Breakfast, hotel check-out, and departures.
Throughout the sessions, participants discussed how digital technologies shape political participation, the risks of misinformation, and the need for greater media literacy. Proposals included auditing social media algorithms for bias, creating community moderation programs, integrating digital citizenship into education, and using gamified tools to engage youth in civic issues.
Cultural immersion was also a key aspect of the experience. Visits to Thessaloniki’s historic and democratic institutions—such as the Pilea-Hortiatis Town Hall and local educational centers—helped participants better understand how European values operate at a municipal level. Traditional Greek cuisine, music, and architecture enriched the atmosphere and fostered deep bonds between international guests and local residents.
The evaluation results were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the quality of the organization, the thematic relevance, and the hospitality of the host city. Participants particularly valued the balance between academic, cultural, and social dimensions of the event. Dissemination efforts included press releases, social media publications, and radio coverage, ensuring visibility of the project’s achievements across partner countries.
The event in Pilea-Hortiatis, Thessaloniki, achieved significant results by deepening participants’ understanding of how technology shapes modern European citizenship and democracy. Through interactive workshops and seminars, representatives from eight EU countries and local citizens exchanged ideas on combating misinformation and enhancing civic engagement online. Concrete proposals emerged, including auditing social media platforms for balanced content, introducing community moderators in local digital forums, integrating digital literacy and curation skills in schools, and developing gamified tools to make civic education more appealing to youth. The meeting strengthened transnational cooperation among municipalities, educators, and civic leaders, while also raising local awareness of the Maastricht Treaty’s legacy and its relevance in today’s digital age. Participants’ evaluations praised the event’s organization, thematic importance, and cultural immersion, highlighting its success in combining learning, dialogue, and European solidarity. Dissemination activities through local media, radio, and social platforms further expanded the project’s visibility and impact, reinforcing the importance of digital literacy as a pillar of active European citizenship.
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