The project “EUParl: Raising Awareness of Voting and Knowledge of the European Union” was created by the Municipality of San Lazzaro di Savena, in collaboration with Informagiovani San Lazzaro and YouNet.

The year 2019 marked the 20th European Parliament elections. Exactly 40 years had passed since the first European elections, which took place between 7 and 10 June 1979. These were the first parliamentary elections of the nine member states of the European Community to elect the 410 Members of the European Parliament, and the first international elections in history.

The European Parliament embodies a wide range of intercultural values, as well as democracy and human rights. It has earned a reputation as a committed defender of fundamental rights and democracy, and within the only EU institution directly elected by citizens, Members of the European Parliament fight against both old and new threats to fundamental freedoms.

Over the years, the European Parliament has changed significantly, gaining additional responsibilities and importance. While its predecessor, the Assembly, had only a supervisory role, today the Parliament is the only directly elected EU institution, responsible for representing the interests of citizens. In addition to shaping and deciding on new legislation, it is also tasked with supervising the institutions of the European Union and promoting human rights both within and beyond Europe.

The “EUParl” project aims to raise awareness among the citizens of San Lazzaro di Savena and the surrounding area about this important institution. In particular, the project focuses on the 18–30 age group and is designed to increase awareness and active participation of young people in view of the upcoming European Parliament elections.