This activity is for participants taking part in the Cities of Learning study visit for Networking and Advocating.

• Give immediate answers to general questions about the EU.
• Help navigate webpages published by EU institutions.
• Provide contact details for the best sources of further information and advice.
• Offer factually correct and updated information, adhering to public civil service standards (though answers are never legally binding).

• Register or forward complaints or problems (but can direct to the appropriate contacts).
• Give legal advice or interpret EU laws.
• Deal with matters outside the EU's remit.
• Help make political opinions known (though citizens can share views on the 'Have Your Say' website or social media).

• Information accessibility & empowerment: Both initiatives aim to empower citizens by making information accessible. Europe Direct provides direct answers on EU matters, while Cities of Learning makes learning pathways and skills visible and understandable through Open Badges.
• Civic Engagement: Europe Direct serves as a direct link between citizens and EU institutions, fostering a form of civic engagement. Cities of Learning also promotes active citizenship by empowering learners and recognizing their contributions within their communities.
• Support for mobility: Many queries to Europe Direct might concern mobility (e.g., jobs in other EU countries, flight cancellations). Cities of Learning, especially through its connection with Erasmus+ projects, also supports learning mobility. The Centre's information can guide individuals through practicalities related to EU-wide opportunities that youth workers often promote.
• Understanding citizen needs: By observing the types of questions Europe Direct receives, Cities of Learning partners can gain insights into the information needs and challenges faced by citizens regarding EU opportunities, which can inform the design of relevant learning activities and advocacy efforts.
• Professional development: Youth workers often act as first points of contact for young people's questions about opportunities. Understanding a service like Europe Direct provides a valuable resource for them to signpost or to learn how to communicate complex information clearly.

• To understand the scope, services, and operational model of the Europe Direct Contact Centre as the EU's primary helpline for citizens.
• To identify the types of information and support citizens seek regarding the EU, and how these relate to youth work and adult learning contexts.
• To learn effective strategies for communicating complex information clearly and concisely to a broad public.
• To explore potential synergies between the Cities of Learning Network and the Europe Direct Contact Centre, particularly in guiding citizens towards EU opportunities or validating skills relevant to EU contexts.
• To reflect on the role of accessible information in fostering civic engagement and participation.

• Participants should familiarise themselves with the core mission and services of the Europe Direct Contact Centre as outlined above.
• Prepare 1-2 questions for the representatives, focusing on how they handle common queries related to youth or learning mobility, or how they ensure information accuracy and accessibility.
• Consider how your local Cities of Learning initiative might benefit from or integrate information from such a comprehensive EU resource.

• Actively listen to the presentation by Europe Direct Contact Centre representatives.
• Engage in discussions, asking your prepared questions and sharing insights from your own experiences in guiding individuals or providing information.
• Pay attention to their communication methods, their approach to various citizen needs, and the challenges they face in providing non-legally binding advice.
• Observe how their service contributes to citizen awareness and engagement with the European Union.

• Reflect on what key learnings you gained from the visit regarding accessible information provision and public service.
• Consider specific ways that the Europe Direct Contact Centre's model or communication strategies could enhance your local Cities of Learning activities, especially in guiding learners toward EU-related opportunities.
• Note down any potential concrete follow-up actions or partnership opportunities identified that could benefit both Europe Direct and the Cities of Learning Network.