Making the European idea more tangible: German member reveals BELC plaque at local town hall and campaigns for the upcoming European elections

Europe Day was on 9 May and the European elections on 9 June - Europe has been currently on everyone's mind. Because Brussels is a long way for many, over 1,000 municipalities have joined forces, intending to actively shape the EU with local issues. The motto is clear: Building Europe with Local Councillors, for which the city council, across the political parties, has appointed councillor Dr Christina Lantwin to represent Moers on an honorary basis. Together with Mayor Christoph Fleischhauer, she unveiled a plaque at the town hall at 29 April 2024 so that BELC membership can be visible to all in the constituency.

"For citizens, Europe is too abstract," explained Dr Lantwin. "We want to make the European idea more tangible. At the BELC meetings in Brussels, it quickly becomes clear that many municipalities are struggling with similar challenges. Comparing solutions and learning from each other helps us all."

One concrete example was Ms Lantwin’s support for the panel discussion on the European elections, where four candidates took part at the In den Filder Benden secondary school on 8 May 2024 when the district student council organised the event and invited all 60 secondary schools from the Wesel district.

"It is important to objectively inform first-time voters in particular ahead of the European elections," pointed out Dr Lantwin.