Citoyens et territoires - Grand Est

The association “Citoyens & Territoires Grand Est” was created in 1994 (previously known under the name “Carrefour des Pays Lorrains”). Citoyens & Territoires Grand Est is a network of regional actors of rural/local development in the Grand Est’s region. The association works with elected representative (such as mayors, presidents of administrative entities). The association hosts the Europe Direct information Center, a network of the European Commission in the regions which aims at informing citizens about the EU, its policies and its functioning. Building on its experience, the network has developed a wide range of activities and missions towards its members/adherents regarding rural/ local development in the Grand Est’s Region. Citoyens & Territoires enhances experiences of the different areas (“Pays, PETR…”), encourage discussions and organize meetings with other partners. It provides selected information and resources and offers access to multiple contacts and services. The association partakes in the local/regional public and national debate to promote rural development / local development. The missions are to inform, to circulate and to make known through tailored information and content on rural/ local development in the Grand Est’s Region, in France and in Europe (Europe Direct information Centre), to provide thematic files on specific subjects and documents and shares success stories and experiences of rural / local development. The association also organizes meetings on current affairs. It aims at connecting actors and with partners in the Grand Est’s region at different scales (regional, interregional, national, cross-border) and encourages the exchange of experiences and methods (organization of meeting and events). Finally, the association accompanies and trains local actors and their partners, guide them in their development, evolution and their governance’s set-up (for example: training-actions: how the layer of the administrative entity works, building territory projects, set up sustainable development, European funding…), accompany territories and local actors on demand.