Within the CERV program – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values, the implementation of the project “EU – ECO” has begun, bringing together citizens from seven countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece.

The project aims to encourage active citizen participation in social and democratic processes at the level of the European Union through discussions and the exchange of experiences on climate and environmental issues. It also promotes awareness and knowledge about the rights of EU citizens, shared values, and democratic standards, as well as the exchange of good practices.

The project leader is the organization DRVO from Croatia, based in the city of Križevci. The city aims to become 100% climate-neutral by 2030.

The project lasts for six months (June 17 – November 17, 2025) and includes preparatory activities, three online meetings, an international conference, and a final report.

A special event of the project will be the three-day international conference “Improving local knowledge and cooperation towards sustainable living places,” which will take place in Križevci. The conference will bring together 160 direct participants, including 135 guests from abroad. The program will include two thematic debates – one for young people and another for representatives of partner organizations, project presentations, examples of good practice, interactive lectures, a panel discussion, a photo tour, a film forum, and a concert.

Special attention will be given to involving citizens from all sectors – public, private, and civil – with gender and age balance and the inclusion of marginalized groups.

The project is implemented with the support of the European Union through the CERV program – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values, under the call CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-TT.