RegenerACTION
Report on the EU project “RegenerACTION” (2024–2025)
ACTION is a project about the democratic future of the European Union.
It strengthens the sense of belonging to Europe and promotes debate about its future and its values.
ACTION is a project about citizens' rights , values and democratic participation of EU and non-EU citizens to live together peacefully and respectfully.
Over the years, the Europe Festival and Flower Show in Este, Italy (80,000 visitors in 2023) have become major attractions for a region of 30,000 inhabitants. The annual sporting event in the nearby town of Granze has also encouraged the participation of international and European athletes. The twin towns in Germany, France, Hungary, Croatia, and the United Kingdom, which have reciprocated the hospitality of the Italian towns, are also organizing events that attract thousands of people and will serve as a backdrop for this project. In recognition of its commitment to European unity and European values, the town of Este received the European Diploma from the Council of Europe in 2019.
The solid cooperation between the cities is strengthened by the friendship of the families, which form the backbone of mutual reception. Since 2017, Este has received the
"Europe for Citizens" for projects that address different themes each year: European citizenship and rights, social and physical disadvantage, cultural heritage, and environmental policy. The British twin town of Leek participated in all four meetings despite Brexit and will continue to participate in the events, as will the cities of Bethlehem and Fredricksburg (USA) and Rijeka (Croatia).
In 2018, the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the partners explored their cultural assets, which are at the heart of the "United in Diversity" project, which aims to enhance the multicultural, social, artistic, political and scientific heritage that Europeans bring to the EU.
ACTION will involve at least 760 direct participants and 10,000 indirect participants, while 50,000 citizens will be reached through multipliers.
ACTION plans:
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Use of previous projects to implement the priorities of the CERV NT call 2023
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Consolidate the network of partner cities by adding more partners and activating multipliers to reach the largest possible audience
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Expanding the circle of cities, NGOs and other local organizations participating in the project
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Adopting best practices validated by other diversity and inclusion projects such as NET-Idea
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Integration of the national actions carried out by each partner into the transnational events
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Create interactions between projects funded by CERV and cultural heritage initiatives funded by other national and international programmes and the Council of Europe
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Create understanding of migration and the free movement of citizens within the EU and highlight the reasons that motivate migrants through an appropriate narrative
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Activation of multipliers through EU networks such as Europe Direct and Eurodesk
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Empowering young people to initiate peer-to-peer dialogue in their own environment, choosing and using the means of communication themselves
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Consideration of the gender perspective in all phases and during all project activities and adoption of an appropriate child protection strategy for groups of minors.
Our meetings for RegenerACTION 2024 / 2025:
Kick-off Meeting in Este / Italy
19. - 21.04.2024
Conference Topics:
Sense of Belonging to the European Union European Identity
Program:
Description:
After comprehensive preparations by the Municipality of Este, the delegation from Bad Windsheim travelled to the first transnational event – the Kick-off Meeting – which marked the official start of the European project RegenerACTION.
The delegation included the mayor, city councillors, representatives of the partnership committee, teachers and students from the State Vocational School and the Georg-Wilhelm-Steller-Gymnasium.
The students gave a presentation entitled “What Europe means to me” and another on their hometown. Both groups received positive feedback from other partner cities and followed with interest the presentations covering topics such as: belonging to the European Union, European identity, active citizenship, the democratic future of the EU, citizens’ rights, and peaceful and respectful coexistence between EU and non-EU citizens.
The event provided an opportunity for participants to work together on a personal level and to exchange ideas for ensuring the project’s successful continuation.
Workshops and meetings focused on strengthening collaboration, team-building, and clarifying technical issues.
Various stakeholders were actively involved – including schools (students and teachers), associations and public representatives – to collect ideas and feedback.
Synergies and partnerships were created, particularly with the project’s key target groups: young people, educational institutions, local authorities, civil society organisations, and families.
The accompanying programme Este in Fiore was very well received by citizens from Bad Windsheim.
The mayor of neighbouring Burgbernheim presented easily transportable local products from the Einheimischer brand (sparkling juice, cider, gin, secco).
The mayors of Bad Windsheim (J. Heckel) and Burgbernheim (M. Schwarz) jointly showcased regional products at a market stand.
Useful Links:
PROGETTO ACTION 2024 – Conference 20 April 2024:
PROGETTO ACTION 2024 – Meeting with Twin Cities:
https://www.staedtepartnerschaften-bw.de/news/eu-projekt-kick-off-meeting%2C-este-in-fiore-(2024)
Transnational Meeting in Tapolca / Hungary
17. - 20.06.2024
Conference Topics:
Europe and Democracy
Program:
Description:
As part of the RegenerACTION EU project, a delegation from Bad Windsheim – consisting of City Councillor Dr. Stadler, Mrs. Mohr (Chair of the Twinning Committee), and two other project participants – travelled to Tapolca, Hungary, for the second transnational meeting.
The city of Bad Windsheim places great importance on strengthening democratic structures in the EU, especially by engaging young people and offering them future perspectives.
Through its Twinning Committee, the city fosters exchange and friendship among EU countries, particularly with France and Italy. The first contact with Tapolca was seen as especially important – and turned out to be a great success. In two weeks, Hungarian students will visit Bad Windsheim for a joint follow-up on the European elections (9 June 2024).
The delegation received a warm welcome in Tapolca and saw themselves as a “vanguard” for expanding the European network.
Due to exams, German students unfortunately could not attend in person.
On the evening of arrival, the city hosted an opening ceremony at the Tapolca Thermal Bath with dinner and a greeting from the mayor.
The next day included a visit to Lessner's System Winecellar near the old synagogue – a flagship project to preserve the city's cultural and religious heritage.
Later, the group toured the Lake Cave Visitor Center, part of the Balaton-felvidéki National Park, and enjoyed a boat ride underground.
They also visited the historic city pond surrounded by medieval buildings and the original mill. The pond never freezes, thanks to the thermal spring beneath – Tapolca means “warm water” in Slavic.
After lunch and a walk through the center, the group visited the baroque Festetics Palace in Keszthely.
Dinner and a Hungarian folk dance performance at Tapolca-Dieszel’s cultural center ended the day.
On Wednesday, 19 June, the city hosted a conference on “Europe and Democracy” with active student participation (Batsányi and SZISZI).
Many young people from Hungary and Italy shared presentations.
The German delegation spoke on behalf of their schools and presented youth engagement activities in Bad Windsheim.
A highlight was a video created by young people from Pertuis (France) discussing major EU topics.
In the afternoon, the group enjoyed a trip to Lake Balaton.
There was plenty of opportunity to exchange contacts and prepare the upcoming meeting in Bad Windsheim.
The evening concluded with a regional dinner and Hungarian folk dancing at the cultural center.
The next morning, the delegation returned home.
Our presentation in Tapolca:
🔗Impressions from Bad Windsheim
Useful Links:
https://www.tapolca.hu/uj/index.php/europai-unio-tamogatasaval-megvalosulo-fejlesztesek
https://www.staedtepartnerschaften-bw.de/news/eu-project-regener-action-in-tapolca%2Fungarn-(2024)
Transnational Meeting in Bad Windsheim/ Germany
05. - 08.07.2024
Conference Topics:
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The European Union Needs You
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Junior Elections
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Migration: “Home is where you don’t go hungry”
Program:
Project Information:
🔗EDS - Event Discription Sheet - EN
🔗EDS - Event Discription Sheet - DE
Marketing:
Description:
The conference in Bad Windsheim, part of the EU project RegenerACTION, was organized by the city of Bad Windsheim and its Partnership Committee. The aim of the event was to bring young people together in an international setting.
Special care was taken to ensure the selected topics were relevant to the local context of Bad Windsheim—its citizens and community groups—while also being transferable to a broader European setting. Once the program was developed, all partners were informed and invited, accommodations were arranged, and additional organizational tasks such as catering, technical equipment, and social media communication were handled.
Delegations from Este, Granze, Pertuis, and Tapolca arrived on Friday, July 5, from 5:00 p.m. onwards. After a welcome session, guests were accommodated either with host families, at the European School Hostel, or—upon request—in hotels. That evening, all participants were invited to visit the Altfränkisches Zunftlager in the historic town center, where they enjoyed a communal dinner and live music suitable for all age groups. This setting provided ample opportunities to connect with local citizens and associations. A highlight for the younger participants aged 16–30 was the EDM concert by the popular DJ Freddy, which proved to be a great icebreaker.
Conference Day – July 6
The main conference took place at the State Vocational School of Bad Windsheim. The city’s Third Deputy Mayor welcomed the visiting delegations and local dignitaries, including Mr. S. Schmidt (Mayor of Markt Ipsheim) and Mr. H. Scheuenstuhl (former Mayor of Wilhermsdorf and current Member of the Bavarian State Parliament). In his address, he emphasized the importance of regional and international networking between local governments.
Ms. T. Mohr, Chairwoman of the Partnership Committee, welcomed all attendees and highlighted the importance of the EU's motto “United in Diversity”. She underlined the significant role of volunteer-based partnership associations in fostering intercultural understanding.
Teachers Ms. Wild and Ms. Frank played a crucial role as liaisons between the school and the local administration. They also inspired 15- to 18-year-old students to engage with EU topics and take greater responsibility in democratic life.
Greetings and Presentations by Delegations:
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Students from Bad Windsheim introduced the city and their school.
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The ESTE delegation conveyed greetings from their city administration and expressed regret that their students couldn’t participate due to summer holidays.
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The GRANZE group brought greetings and extended an invitation to the 2025 RegenerACTION event in their hometown, followed by a presentation titled “Welcome to Granze”.
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The PERTUIS delegation shared greetings from their local partnership committee and presented a bilingual talk (French/German) on the significance of the EU and youth involvement. They also screened two videos: “Presentation of the city of Pertuis / We are in Pertuis” and “The Youth of Pertuis”.
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The TAPOLCA (Hungary) delegation greeted the audience and contributed with a talk titled “The European Union Needs You”.
BAD WINDSHEIM
Greta, a 15-year-old student with Hungarian roots, introduced the topic “Junior Elections” in English and Hungarian. Following her presentation, her classmates expanded on the topic and reflected on the importance of the recent European elections. This was followed by a visit to the exhibition “The European Union Needs You” and a mock polling station, offering participants the chance to experience a simulated election and ask questions—answered by well-prepared local students. Small group discussions on the importance and impact of the EU rounded out the session.
Participants had time to relax, explore the school, and take part in a symbolic activity: placing colorful fingerprints on a flipchart titled “United in Diversity”, further encouraging informal interactions.
At 1:00 p.m., a communal lunch was served, providing additional opportunities for dialogue and connection.
Festival Procession and Community Engagement
Four members of ESTE MÉDIEVALE joined the festivities, presenting their association and marching with local cultural groups like the Bad Windsheim Guild Dancers, marching bands from Lauf and Rosenheim, medieval performers, and sports associations.
All participants gathered at the Reichsstadtmuseum for the festive parade through Bad Windsheim’s historic center, accompanied by the city’s leadership, including:
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Mayor J. Heckel
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Vice Mayors A. Horst and R. Reichenberg
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District Administrator Dr. C. von Dobschütz
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Former Mayors and City Councillors W. Eckhardt and B. Kisch
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City Councillors S. Detsch, Dr. Stadler, and R. Volkert
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Managing Director of the Spa, Conference and Tourism Board of Bad Windsheim
At the marketplace, Mayor Heckel officially opened the 47th Historic Town Festival, welcoming all delegations, associations, and guests. Free beer was served for all—a cheerful start to a lively and inclusive celebration.
In the evening, an open dinner took place at the Wirtshaus am Kommunbrauhaus in the Franconian Open-Air Museum.
Sunday – July 7
In the morning, attendees were invited to a festive service at St. Kilian Church, held ecumenically to honor all faiths and underscore cultural heritage. The church, alongside the historic town hall, forms the architectural centerpiece of Bad Windsheim.
Later, more athletic participants visited the local climbing and bouldering center as part of the #BeActive initiative, where they trained with professional guidance.
After lunch—either with host families or at the town festival—everyone visited the Franconian Open-Air Museum, including the special exhibition “Home is where you don’t go hungry”, which explored migration in rural Franconia between 1960 and 1990. The exhibition showcased personal stories to illustrate the value of integration and social inclusion. The message: Germany’s cultural and social stability depends on equal opportunities, shared values, and the respect for diversity.
This aligns with the EU’s goals to promote justice, reduce inequality, and respect cultural diversity. Many former guest workers have become German citizens and made remarkable contributions across culture, business, and politics—names like Cem Özdemir, Feridun Zaimoglu, and Kaya Yanar are well known.
Living in a diverse society thrives when all members embrace democracy, respect each other, and engage equally. The EU’s democratic future depends on how we nurture understanding of migration—especially among young people. Local projects that support inclusion, language acquisition, and community involvement are crucial to this mission.
In the late afternoon, guests of all ages joined a walk through Bavaria’s largest heritage spa park—a 110-year-old green oasis covering 36 hectares just north of the town.
Farewell Dinner and Departure
At 7:00 p.m., a farewell dinner at the Gasthaus Goldenes Kreuz included the exchange of farewell gifts between delegations and partner towns.
On Monday, July 8, 2024, the delegations departed after breakfast.
Conclusion:
The event helped raise awareness among all participants about the democratic future of the EU. The exhibition “The EU needs you” and follow-up discussions reinforced a sense of belonging and appreciation for the EU’s core values—values that, given current political challenges, could easily be lost if we don’t engage actively in democratic processes.
Young participants, especially, were empowered through workshops and dialogue to understand the importance of Europe. By involving local politicians, schools, families, and associations, a truly multi-level collaboration was achieved.
We hope to have laid the foundation for a growing network between partnership committees—fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, tourism, trade, and the sharing of economic expertise. Our aim is to break down prejudices and strengthen international dialogue. Engaging youth is vital. Europe will endure if we succeed in embedding the European idea in the hearts and minds of our young generation.
More information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiRWIeCGxKc-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPUcsn_p2Co&t=429s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPUcsn_p2Co&t=429s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiRWIeCGxKc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9F32P8f21k&t=24s
https://www.staedtepartnerschaften-bw.de/post/7-eu-projekte-regener-action-2024-2025
https://stadt.bad-windsheim.de/aktuelles/eu-programm-regener-action-2024-25
https://stadt.bad-windsheim.de/partner-vereine/staedtepartner/este
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Transnational Meeting in the Province of Padua, Este / Italy
26. - 30.09.2024
Conference Topics:
Democracy and EU values & Geopolitics and EU borders
Program:
Description:
Due to an unfortunate accident involving the representative of the City of Bad Windsheim and the Twinning Committee, five students and their teacher from the local vocational school travelled by Flixbus to attend the 4th Transnational Meeting of the RegenerACTION project.
The event was held partly in Este and partly in Padua, co-organized by the Province of Padua and the Municipality of Este.
The delegation from Bad Windsheim was warmly welcomed by the partner cities Tapolca, Pertuis and Granze.
An opening dinner provided the opportunity to build first connections.
The next morning, a conference took place in Este with presentations on “Democracy and EU values” and “Geopolitics and EU borders”.
Each delegation presented its contribution. The students from Bad Windsheim delivered their presentation:
“Our Ideas for the Future of Europe – Focus on Environment”.
A varied accompanying programme offered opportunities for cultural exchange.
The traditional weekly market in Este, the Abbey of Praglia with its handmade regional products, and a live concert by Rewind '90 on Piazza Maggiore drew much enthusiasm from the youth and highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence between nations.
On Sunday, the delegations attended the historical performance “La donna con il cappello” in Piazza Maggiore.
Wearing hats, everyone joined in the street theatre. A traditional archery competition in historical costume followed in the Giardini del Castello.
The afternoon continued with visits to Monteselice, the Laboratory of Ideas, and a joint farewell dinner.
After a long return trip by Flixbus, the delegation from Bad Windsheim arrived home safe and sound.
The students were deeply impressed by everything they experienced and understood that it is up to their generation to preserve and develop the values of the European Union – and to help shape a strong and united Europe.
Useful Links:
https://www.provincia.pd.it/progetto-action-al-quarto-meeting-70-partecipanti
https://www.comune.este.pd.it/it/page/next-re-generaction-2022
Transnational Meeting in Pertuis / France
29.05. - 02.06.2025
Conference Topic:
Reducing Land, Sea and River Pollution Caused by Plastic
Program:
Description:
As part of the EU project RegenerACTION 2025, the twinning committee of Bad Windsheim, on behalf of the city, travelled with students and a teacher from the State Business School to the 5th transnational meeting in Pertuis.
The European-level event, hosted by the French twinning committee, welcomed delegations from Italy (Este, Padua, Granze), Germany (Bad Windsheim), Hungary (Tapolca), and France (Pertuis).
Young people aged 15 to 29 discussed and proposed concrete solutions for a critical issue in Europe: reducing plastic pollution on land, in rivers and in the sea.
Each delegation presented their previously prepared contributions before jointly drafting a European regulation in line with the European Commission’s directives.
While working together on environmental issues, the sense of belonging to Europe naturally strengthened, and the importance of involving younger generations in building a sustainable and united future was emphasized.
The French committee designed a comprehensive cultural programme: guided tour of Pertuis' old town, visits to the castle and the village of Lourmarin, a trip to Aix-en-Provence, and social and sporting activities such as Touch Rugby and a barbecue night.
The mutual appreciation was reinforced through the exchange of regional gifts between the mayors and twinning committees.
The young participants experienced the value of learning languages, face-to-face interaction, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Especially in times of multicultural challenges and rising radicalism, maintaining twinning ties is essential.
It is of utmost importance to live and pass on European values to the youth.
Result of the youth collaboration:
Useful Links:
http://www.pertuis-este.com/projet-europeen-action/
https://www.provincia.pd.it/pertuis-francia-5deg-meeting-del-progetto-action
https://www.comune.este.pd.it/it/page/next-re-generaction-2022
https://www.staedtepartnerschaften-bw.de/news/eu-projekt-in-pertuis%2C-frankreich-(2025)
Transnational Meeting in Granze / Italy
10. - 13.07.2025
Conference Topics:
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Interesting Links:
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Final Meeting in Este / Italy
25 – 28 September 2025
Conference Topics:
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Interesting links to explore further