Living Europe
Citizens of the DG are confronted with the realities of European level decision-making on a daily basis. Much of this is self-evident. After all, Europe is an intrinsic aspect of daily life here. Indeed, sometimes the term “Europe’s laboratory” is applied to the DG. So it is only normal that the seat of the Maas-Rhine Euregio is in Eupen.
In the frontier region it becomes clear just how much the internal European market has developed. Being able to spend the same money across different borders, to move easily for work or travel or to pursue your studies – such European phenomena have made life in our border region considerably easier, because the DG lies at the heart of a vast trans-frontier employment and services market.
European programmes and subsidies have rendered many trans-frontier projects possible. For example, such support has made it possible for many Belgian patients to be treated in German medical facilities.
The European Social Fund (ESF) helps people improve their chances on the employment market. In the DG, 1,500 people are helped by this scheme every year – whether they are unemployed, trainees, the handicapped or start-up businesses. One example of this is the organization for founding and ensuring the continuity of small businesses, “Xistence”. This was called into being by the “WFG Ostbelgien” and is supported by the ESF and the DG.
Every five years German-speaking Belgians directly vote their European member of parliament. The DG is also represented in the European Committee of Regions.
Communication activities
The European Union seeks dialog with its citizens. The European Commission has also set up a Europe-Direct-Information point in the DG. Here one can find information brochures in German and other materials. Europe Direct answers questions and organizes debates.