News item | 29-01-2024 | 15:32
The Netherlands is a member of the European Union (EU). The agreements that the Netherlands makes within the EU play an important role in the daily lives of all Dutch people. But what do Dutch people actually know about the EU and the role the Netherlands has in it? The government wants to inform Dutch people about this and enter into discussions with them. That is why the information campaign will start from Monday 29 January 2024 About Europe.
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What is About Europe?
About Europe is a two-year information campaign including conversations with Dutch people throughout the country. The aim of the campaign is to inform all Dutch people about the EU and the role of the Netherlands. Extra attention is paid to the broad group of Dutch people who sometimes have little knowledge about the EU and whom the government wants to reach better. Think of young people, the practically educated, the illiterate and the less digitally skilled. The campaign consists of:
- information in (online) places that the target groups often visit. To connect as much as possible with their living environment, interests and language use;
- physical and online conversations with Dutch people, throughout the country.
The conversations are intended to strengthen the connection and contact with Dutch people, to listen to which EU topics they find important and to provide information about Dutch EU work. The outcomes from these conversations are shared with the cabinet and parliament.
In conversation with young people
About Europe starts on Monday January 29 and focuses on young people in the first three months. Start in the spring the conversations with young people. The conversations take place throughout the country, including in schools. Are you between 18-28 years old and would you like to participate in a conversation? Then register now.
The Netherlands and the EU
The Netherlands collaborates with 26 other European countries within the EU. Because together you can achieve more than as a country alone. The countries make agreements by talking a lot with each other. For example, on topics such as food, energy, nature, internet and privacy rules. These agreements also apply in the Netherlands and therefore to all Dutch people. The EU has more influence on our lives than you probably think. That is why it is important to be informed about this.
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Previous campaign: Look at Europe
In 2021 and 2022, the cabinet organized View of Europe, in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe. These were conversations with Dutch people about EU topics. Participants have asked for more information about (the Netherlands in) the EU to be made available and to have more frequent conversations with Dutch people about the Netherlands in the EU. This will also be followed up with About Europe. View the results of Kijk op Europa.
The information campaign About Europe will run from Monday, January 29, 2024 and will last until mid-2025. About Europe is commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in implementation of the Koole motion, and in collaboration with other ministries and local authorities.