12-13.03.2026 Europe Direct Centres General Meeting Brussels

On 12 and 13 March Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice will take part in Brussels in the general meeting of over 400 EUROPE DIRECT centres operating across the EU. The event will bring together representatives from the network to exchange best practices on fostering democratic dialogue in Europe and to coordinate their local strategies for the coming years.
The two-day meeting will open with a video message from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The programme will also include workshops and discussions with officials from the European Commission and European Parliament.

The gathering will mark the launch of the new generation of Europe Direct, which are the European Commission’s local face-to-face network that engages citizens and partners at the community level to discuss how European policies shape everyday life.
In the coming years, the network will put a stronger focus on democracy. Europe Direct centres will increasingly function as local hosts for conversations about Europe, creating spaces where people can meet, debate and talk about European issues. Through participatory formats and direct dialogue, centres will bring citizens into discussion and strengthen their involvement in democratic life.
For the 2026–2030 period, 315 centres have been renewed, and 85 new centres have joined the network in the EU.

 

Established in the region since 1998, Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice continues its long-standing mission to act as a bridge between institutions and citizens. Drawing on many years of experience, the centre will continue to promote democratic dialogue and active participation, making European policies a tangible and accessible reality for the entire local community.