Nice is labeled “European City”. Proud of this title, Magali Altounian unveiled a plaque in a small ceremony on the occasion of the first anniversary of the label, this Tuesday, October 24, at the town hall.
Nice “European City,” what does it mean? This label is primarily a project spearheaded by The Young European – France, an organization claiming to be transpartisan, along with the European Movement – France and the Union of European Federalists – France, who have joined the initiative.
Designed as a campaign tool, this mention “European City” appeared during the 2020 municipal elections. “The objective was to raise awareness about European issues among candidates for the position of mayor while municipalities are the first level of democracy and European citizenship,” can be read on their website.
It thus aimed to encourage local political leaders to engage concretely through actions for the promotion of the European Union. And so the European spirit and being a European citizen has meaning for all French people, residents of big cities or villages. During the campaign, the lists that adopted the European City Label Charter committed themselves, once elected, to incorporating the European City Label in their municipality.
As a reward for its European engagement, Nice received the “European City” label on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Mediterranean University Center as part of the European Movement France’s Autumn University.
What does it take to be a European city, in Nice?
To bring the Europe of territories to life, the city of Nice relies on its Europe Direct Center, 14 rue Paganini, which celebrated its second anniversary in October.
Magali Altounian, deputy mayor of Nice, in charge of European Affairs, tells us: “We have reached out to 15,000 students and young people since the center opened to educate them about the functioning of European institutions.” Europe in Nice also involves organizing two annual events, the Nice Europe Day in May and the Europe Karaoke on Music Day.
Making Europe tangible to the population, according to the official, is about informing them about its current events and actions at the local level. “It is to say that Europe participated in projects like financing the digital equipment of the easy-access desk, which simplifies administrative procedures for the citizens of Nice, it also involves financing the tramway, securing the Promenade des Anglais, and Europe also finances daycare centers, she lists.
