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Building Europe with Local Councillors
  • News article
  • 14 October 2024
  • Directorate-General for Communication
  • 1 min read

Polish EU Local Councillors network partner, Minsk Mazowiecki celebrated European Local Democracy Week

(from left to right): Katarzyna Łaziuk, deputy mayor of Minsk Mazowiecki; Aleksandra Kluj, city spokeswoman; Bartłomiej Kulma, student; Prof. Marta Witkowska, TED expert and Magdalena Mól, head of the Dept. of Culture, Promotion and Sport of the City Hall

Minsk Mazowiecki, an EU Local Councillors network partner municipality was the only Polish city joining the European Local Democracy Week celebration, a pan-European event, aiming to boost local democracy and citizen participation.  

The week-long programme was the initiative of Minsk Mazowiecki’s deputy mayor, Katarzyna Laziuk, and EUROPE DIRECT Centre manager, Katarzyna Trojanek.  

Between 14-18 October, 2024, thematic sessions were organised with the ultimate aim of further strengthening democracy in the city. For instance, as part of the conference, “The everyday dimension of democracy - how to build and strengthen local civil society” participants learned how they can be in charge of their own ‘local democracy’ and influence decisions about their city.  

Team Europe expert Prof. Marta Witkowska also attended the event and spoke about the challenges for local democracy in the European context. A youth representative, Bartlomiej Kulma, spoke about the benefits of young people’s community involvement. 

The panel discussion was followed by a WORD CAFE workshop, during which topics related to civic engagement in Minsk Mazowiecki were discussed. 

During the week of democracy in city schools, an engaging game was conducted for students. It was developed by experts from the Center for Civic Education as part of the “Laboratory of School Democracy” programme. During the game, students could advise what aspects of school life should be changed or improved. 

The events, coordinated by Europe Direct Minsk Mazowiecki, were held with the support of the European Commission in Brussels and co-financed by the European Union. 

Information about the events was published on the Minsk Mazowiecki City Hall website and the Facebook pages of the city hall, Europe Direct and the schools

Katarzyna Trojanek, Europe Direct Minsk Mazowiecki manager (third from the right)

Details

Publication date
14 October 2024
Author
Directorate-General for Communication
Who
  • Katarzyna Laziuk
Where
  • Poland, Minsk Mazowiecki
What
  • Democracy and public participation