Abstract:

In recent times, we have seen a significant rise in populism across Europe, with populist parties winning more and more seats in the parliaments of most European countries. Many citizens identify with the ideologies and movements associated with populism. To respond to this trend, the We-Europeans project was created, funded by the European Union, with the aim of countering populism by promoting the values of European citizenship. This study sets out the project's objectives, partnerships, and methods, as well as evaluating the initial results and their impact. These results are particularly important, especially in a year of European elections.

The We-Europeans project is focused on tackling the rise of populism by creating educational materials that address both the factual and emotional aspects of this phenomenon. The project, in a positive spirit, aims to reinforce the values of European citizenship and develop citizens' skills in this area. Since the summer of 2022, I've been watching We-Europeans publish content and organize live events that encourage reflection and the exchange of ideas. The first results are promising, suggesting a positive impact on raising awareness and promoting European values.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the MOOC developed as part of the project, I used a survey-based methodology. This approach went through several stages: first, detailed questionnaires were drawn up, with closed and open questions, covering different dimensions of the MOOC, such as the clarity of the content, the usability of the platform and the perceived impact on understanding the topics. I then selected a representative sample of students enrolled in the MOOC and distributed the surveys, guaranteeing anonymity and confidentiality. The data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods, with descriptive statistics for the closed answers and content analysis for the open answers.

This project aims to combat populism in Europe. Through strategic partnerships, robust educational content, and an open dialogue platform, We-Europeans ais well placed to promote the values of European citizenship and strengthen resistance against populist movements. As the project progresses, I believe its contribution to a more informed and cohesive Europe will be key to the continent's future, providing citizens with the tools they need to stand up to populism.

Keywords:

Populism, citizenship, competencies, European Values.