Italian BELC member from Jesi on a mission

Young Italian BELC member, Giacomo Mosca, representing the Municipality of Jesi, in the province of Ancona, in the Italian region of Marche, had the opportunity to carry out an intensive programme of initiatives aimed at promoting the values and opportunities offered by the European Union. As an active member of the BELC network, Mosca was able to turn each event into an opportunity to bring citizens closer to European institutions and spread awareness about the importance of EU membership, as well as the upcoming European election.

Dialogue on European Funds

The first event took place in Macerata on 15 May, 2024, where Mr. Mosca presented the BELC network in cooperation with the Giovani Democratici (Young democrats) of Macerata in the Marche region. The event was attended by leading figures, such as Matteo Ricci, Mayor of Pesaro and candidate in the upcoming European elections; Romano Carancini, Regional Councillor; politician Alessia Morani, and Michele Franchi, Mayor of Arquata del Tronto, candidates in the European elections. During the meeting, the working mechanisms of the European institutions, the roles of the Council, the Parliament, the Commission and the BELC network, and how to access European funds were explained. It was an educational moment for those young people present to understand how much the European Union positively affects citizens’ daily lives.

Inauguration of the 'European Path'

The following day, on 16 May, Jesi hosted the second Festa dell'Europa, an event that saw the inauguration of the 'European Path', inspired by the famous Walk of Fame. The first two stars were dedicated to emblematic figures such as Altiero Spinelli, an Italian politician and writer, often cited as a founding father of the European Union for his influence on post-war European integration, and Sophie Scholl., German resistance activist. This project, realised thanks to the commitment of Councillor Emanuela Marguccio, involved a vast network of organisations, associations, schools and individuals, demonstrating how solidarity between peoples can be translated into concrete and participatory initiatives. This celebration followed the success of last year's first Europe Day, during which the park was named after former President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, with three European benches installed, and a EUROPE DIRECT Centre opened.

BELC National Event

The week ended in Rome on 17 May, where Mr. Mosca participated in the BELC network's national event. As a representative of the Municipality of Jesi and the BELC network, he brought greetings from his city and shared the numerous initiatives undertaken to strengthen the feeling of European belonging of citizens. The event was attended by representatives from different Italian regions, together with prominent figures such as Debora Striani, EU Ambassador, and Dario Noschese, Director of the Europe Direct Centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome.

These activities represent concrete examples of how institutional commitment can translate into effective actions for the promotion of European values. Thanks to the support of the municipal administration of Jesi, Mayor Fiordelmondo and the majority, Mr. Mosca is succeeding in pursuing a path of personal and political growth, while contributing to a greater awareness of the importance of the European Union.

These initiatives not only strengthen the bond between citizens and European institutions, but also represent a best practice model that can be replicated.