OPEN EU is built on a simple but powerful belief: stronger communities are created when people have the chance to listen, share experiences and learn from one another.
Across Europe, conversations around migration, identity and belonging are often shaped by fear, misunderstanding or division. OPEN EU responds by creating spaces for dialogue, storytelling and shared learning, helping local people, migrants and displaced persons explore what it means to belong in today’s Europe.
Through adult education, digital storytelling, community learning and inclusive dialogue, the project aims to challenge “othering” and support more open, empathetic and connected communities.
At the heart of this work is a diverse European partnership, bringing together expertise in human rights, community development, digital learning, storytelling, social inclusion and democratic participation.
The European Center for Human Rights is based in Strasbourg and works to promote human rights, equality and social inclusion. Through education, advocacy and community engagement, the organisation supports individuals and communities to better understand and protect fundamental rights. Its experience in European projects and digital storytelling makes it a strong partner in supporting dialogue, participation and inclusion.
Within OPEN EU, this perspective is central. Human rights are not abstract principles; they are part of everyday community life. They shape how people are welcomed, heard, respected and included.
Roscommon LEADER Partnership is a community development organisation working to promote social inclusion and equal opportunities at local level. It supports groups including migrants, refugees and rural communities through education, training and integration programmes.
Its role brings strong local and community-based experience to OPEN EU. Inclusion happens in real places: towns, villages, learning centres, community spaces and everyday conversations. Roscommon LEADER Partnership helps ground the project in practical community development and local engagement.
Misto Aktyvnyh Gromadan is a civic organisation based in Ukraine, focused on community development, youth engagement and social participation. It works to promote democratic values, human rights and active citizenship through education and local initiatives.
The Ukrainian perspective is especially important to OPEN EU. Displacement, belonging and community cohesion are not distant issues; they are lived experiences for many people. This partner brings valuable insight into resilience, participation and supporting communities affected by social and political challenges.
The European E-Learning Institute focuses on developing innovative digital learning solutions and online education tools. It works with partners across Europe to design accessible learning platforms and resources that support flexible and inclusive education.
In OPEN EU, digital learning plays an important role in making stories, resources and learning opportunities more widely accessible. By supporting the project’s online presence and learning tools, EUEI helps ensure that the project’s messages can reach educators, learners and community organisations beyond the immediate partnership.
Momentum Marketing Services Ltd brings expertise in adult learning, digital content, communication and social innovation. The organisation specialises in turning complex ideas into clear, practical and engaging learning materials and communication strategies.
This expertise is important for a project like OPEN EU, where communication matters deeply. The way stories are told can either reinforce division or build understanding. Momentum supports the project in sharing its message clearly, accessibly and meaningfully.
The European Capital of Democracy works with cities, citizens and organisations across Europe to strengthen democratic participation and civic engagement. The initiative supports dialogue, innovation and involvement, bringing together civil society, public institutions and experts.
Its role connects OPEN EU to wider questions of democracy, participation and civic life. Belonging is not only about being present in a community; it is also about having a voice, being included in dialogue and being able to participate meaningfully.
Together, the OPEN EU partners bring different experiences, countries and areas of expertise, but they are united by a shared commitment to inclusion, equality, dialogue and human dignity.
The project will create communities of practice, workshops, digital storytelling activities, podcasts, online learning resources and Festivals of Belonging. These activities are designed to bring people together, challenge stereotypes, strengthen media literacy and create space for more human-centred conversations about migration and identity.
OPEN EU recognises that belonging cannot be built by one organisation or one country alone. It requires cooperation, listening and shared action across communities.
By working together, the OPEN EU partnership hopes to support a Europe where people are not reduced to labels or headlines, but recognised through their stories, experiences and shared humanity.
