February 2024 Newsletter
EU Neighbours South
Building awareness about the European Union in the Southern Neighborhood & connecting you to the EU-funded projects
The EU Neighbours South is part of the EU-funded Regional Communication Programme for the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods. The four-year programme (2020-2024) aims to raise awareness, increase knowledge and improve public understanding of the European Union and its policies, enhance strategic communication actions and build resilience against disinformation in the Southern Neighbourhood.
Morrocan EU Jeel Connectors Unite for Flagship Event!
The EU Jeel Connect flagship event in Morocco took place on February 9, bringing together 44 members of the network. The event was moderated by Nisrine el Kettani, Country Coordinator for Morocco. With Morocco boasting the largest network of 46 EU Jeel Connectors, the Flagship Event served as a platform to highlight their efforts, offering insights into their meaningful work
Throughout the year, EU Jeel Connectors took part in Coffee Talks to discuss various EU supported projects in areas such as education, culture, creative industries and others. They also began implementing their own initiatives to showcase their commitment to relaying EU opportunities in Morocco.
Her Excellency the Ambassador of the European Union to Morocco, Patricia Llombart Cussac, was present to deliver an opening speech and award certificates to these young individuals. She thanked them warmly, saying “Our Euro-Moroccan partnership is enriched thanks to the actions of these young people in their communities… In these uncertain times of conflict and polarisation, we are counting on young Moroccans to continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite the people of both shores of the Mediterranean.”
SPEAK UP CARTOONS 2024: The New Edition is on!
Dear readers, as you dive into the second edition of this comic booklet, it is important to note that one of the illustrations was created by a computer through artificial intelligence. This means using specific keywords and clicks can lead to beautiful creations in no time! Does this mean that we should fear for the future of art and artists in the Southern Neighbourhood? We think not, because this region is a fertile ground for talent, brimming with resources and creativity, just like the artists who have contributed to this booklet. These comics, illustrating success stories from EU-funded projects, show how the work of passionate humans coupled with artistic sensibility, always shine through and stand out.
European Year of Skills: Celebrating Youth Talent from the South
Marking the European Year of Skills, a series of e-cards dedicated to showcasing youth skills were published. These snappy interviews tell the stories of beneficiaries of EU-funded projects from various corners of the Southern Neighbourhood, highlighting how they developed their skills through EU-supported programmes and initiatives.
The e-cards adopted a ‘flashback’ concept with 13 e-cards showcasing beneficiaries highlighted through feature stories in the past to show the enduring impact of EU-funded initiatives they had been a part of; and how they continue to transform their lives to date.