The Rijeka Development Agency Porin received a new five-year mandate to run the EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka Centre, which confirmed the high quality of the prepared programme and the Centre's work so far.
A total of 47 applications are being evaluated. European Commission confirms continuation of EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka. This decision reflects the continuity of the Centre's work and the European Commission's trust in the programme prepared by the Rijeka Development Agency Porin based on the experience and results so far.
In the evaluation, the European Commission highlighted in particular a well-designed communication strategy, a strong local and regional network of partners and innovative approaches to working with citizens, including participatory formats, clear segmentation of target groups and the long-term impact of activities. Such a result is also a recognition of the five-year work of the center EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka in the community, which the Rijeka Development Agency Porin has been implementing since May 2021. This confirms the European Commission's trust in the work carried out so far, the quality of the activities carried out so far and the capacities of EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka.
EUROPE DIRECT is the official contact point of the European Commission whose aim is to bring the European Union closer to citizens at local and regional level, through information, dialogue and active involvement in European topics.
Five years of community service
EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka has been shaped from the very beginning as Practical and accessible European Union contact point, focusing on the real needs of citizens in the territory of the City of Rijeka and the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. The focus of the work was on direct communication, an understandable interpretation of European topics and presence where citizens move and gather.
In the period from 2021 to 2025, the Centre developed a way of working that brings together public events, educational activities, cooperation with local institutions and organisations, and a permanent presence in the media and digital space. By using different formats and channels, European policies and initiatives have been presented through concrete topics from the daily life of citizens.
EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka as a link between the European institutions and the local community, bringing topics such as education, employment, mobility, consumer protection, the environment and digital and media skills closer together in a way that was understandable and applicable to citizens. This approach, based on dialogue, openness and cooperation with local stakeholders, has contributed to raising awareness and trust in the European Union, especially among groups that are often under-represented in public spaces.
Recognizable events and formats
EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka has developed a series of events and communication formats that have become places where citizens meet European topics and have strongly contributed to the visibility of the European Union in the local community.
Among them stands out marking Europe Day, which was implemented through public events, educational content and cooperation with local partners, as well as thematic exhibitions the Stations of Corso, which put European topics directly at the heart of urban public space.
Particular emphasis is placed on activities related to sustainability and environmental protection, highlighting EU Beach Cleanup, a European beach and seabed clean-up initiative aimed at raising awareness of the protection of the sea, the coast and the environment. The initiative was successfully transposed and adapted by the Centre to the local context in cooperation with local partners, associations and institutions, bringing together schoolchildren, volunteers and representatives of different sectors in shared care for the environment.
Citizens’ dialogue and presence in the public space
In order to foster an open dialogue with citizens, EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka participated in European initiatives such as: Europe.Coffee Tour, which brought European topics closer to citizens through an informal conversation in the public space, as well as the Single Market Tour, which presents the concrete benefits of the European Union’s Single Market.
Continuous communication was also achieved through the media, in particular through a regular radio broadcast on Radio Korzo: Europe Direct Rijeka, which deals with current European topics, policies and opportunities, always from the perspective of their impact on the local and regional community.
Education, youth and community development
Educational and development activities were an important part of the Center's work. Through the Erasmus Days Erasmus+ opportunities for young people, educational institutions and adults were presented to citizens, while INSPIRA LEADER The conference focused on the development of smart and sustainable communities, with a particular focus on rural areas.
Event Torpedo Days it linked European policies to innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of the European Union in fostering regional development, digital transformation and new business models.
Eugen as the recognizable face of EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka
In the previous period, it was developed and Eugen, a visual mascot and the educational figure of EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka, designed as an accessible tool for information and communication about the European Union. Eugen is conceived as a "citizens' voice", a character who asks questions, seeks answers and explains complex European topics in a simple way. This communication approach has proven particularly effective in youth work, but also in the wider public space. In a new five-year period Eugene will continue to guide citizens through European topics, as a symbol of continuity, accessibility and a comprehensible Europe.
New five-year period: Continuity and further development
In a new five-year period EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka continues its work with further strengthening of existing activities and development of new approaches, in line with the priorities of the European Commission and the needs of the local community. The focus will be on young people and educational institutions, older citizens and lifelong learning, grassroots activities in more remote and less connected environments, strengthening resilience against disinformation and developing digital and media literacy, as well as working with partners and liaising with development initiatives.
The aim remains the same, bringing the European Union closer to citizens through concrete, understandable and relevant topics and encouraging their active participation in European processes.
The acceptance of the application for the new five-year period confirmed the importance and need for the operation of EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka. Rijeka Development Agency Porin in the new programming period Continues to be a proud and reliable partner of the European Union, dedicated to informing, engaging and empowering citizens and strengthening the European dimension of the local community.
