This year, for the sixth edition of the European Neighbours Day which took place on May 27, 8 million people got together in 29 countries, and almost a thousand city halls!
Organised by the European Federation of Local Solidarity, with the support of Cecodhas, Eurocities and the Committee of the Regions, and endorsed by the European Commission.

European Neighbours’ Day is an event which takes place once a year, on the last Tuesday of May. It is a great opportunity for cities and social housing organisations to strengthen local communities by encouraging groups of people to organise neighbourhood parties and other similar events. It is up to each resident or group of residents to organise their own party.
European Neighbours’ Day is also a perfect means of strengthening existing links and building networks between twin towns and cities or with other European Neighbours’ Day partners. Indeed exchanges of European citizens can provide local authorities the opportunity to find out more about the daily lives of citizens in other European countries, share experiences and best practices on issues of common interest, such as neighbourliness.

Neighbours’ Day as a good practice of Intercultural Dialogue
2008 being the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, Neighbours' Day has been identified by the European Commission as a good practice of Intercultural Dialogue. It promotes the active involvement of civil society and other stake holders, at a European, national and local level, which is essential in building conditions for people to "live better together". In doing so, it also encourages all those living in Europe, particularly young people, to promote an active European citizenship opened on the world and cultural diversity.

Build neighbourliness to live better together
Throughout Europe, individualism, withdrawal into oneself and loneliness
are on the increase. Everywhere social bonds are stretched. Something has
to change. Inviting your neighbours to share some time together, around a
buffet, may not solve any social problems but this simple gesture could be
a beginning. Meeting your neighbours supports social cohesion and creates
new friends and contacts among people.

IN 2007, 7.5 MILLION PEOPLE IN 28 COUNTRIES CELEBRATED WITH THEIR NEIGHBOURS

The 2008 edition will be launched in style on 12 May in this year's European Capital of Culture, Liverpool.

Build neighbourliness to live better together
Throughout Europe, individualism, withdrawal into oneself and loneliness
are on the increase. Everywhere social bonds are stretched. Something has
to change. Inviting your neighbours to share some time together, around a
buffet, may not solve any social problems but this simple gesture could be
a beginning. Meeting your neighbours supports social cohesion and creates
new friends and contacts among people. .

How to participate
Are you interested in developing and promoting the project at the local level, raising residents' awareness and encouraging them to get involved?

Contact:
Fédération Européenne des Solidarités de Proximité
Coordination European Neighbours'Day
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 12 72 72
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

>For more information visit the European Neighbours' day website

>Download the leaflet in English or  French

>Read the letter from the European Commission here