EU and US: Getting to Know Europe
As we commemorate this year the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and the 70th Anniversary of George Marshall’s speech that would launch the Marshall Plan, we are reminded again that the transatlantic relationship has been the bedrock of the security and prosperity enjoyed by several generations of Europeans and Americans over many decades. However, the European Union itself — its institutions, policies, and the whole process of European integration — isn’t as well-known or understood as we would like it to be. At a time when both the EU and the U.S. face a number of common challenges, it is more important than ever that Americans know more about the EU and actively embrace it as a unique partner in addressing these challenges.
We at the EU’s Delegation to the U.S. are based in Washington, D.C. with somewhat limited ability to engage with many parts of such a vast country like the U.S. In addition, many of the Americans we want to know more about the European Union — businesses, policymakers, civil society, and the general public — live and work outside Washington, D.C. Accordingly, we find ways to work through local organizations and institutions to engage in public diplomacy “outside the Beltway.” One of the primary tools we have to do so is the Getting to Know Europe (GTKE), a public diplomacy and outreach program.
What is Getting to Know Europe?
Getting to Know Europe (GTKE) is a grants program designed to increase knowledge and understanding of the European Union in the U.S. Engaging on a local level, GTKE grant activities can showcase the many different sides of the EU: the cultural diversity within its borders, its international role, and the functioning of its institutions and policies. A key component of the GTKE program is to increase the visibility of the vastly important transatlantic relationship here in the U.S. as well as build trust and mutual understanding to facilitate future cooperation.
Who funds Getting to Know Europe?
The grant program is funded by the Partnership Instrument, a European Commission financing instrument designed to facilitate cooperation on areas of mutual interest for the EU and other countries, such as climate change, energy security and environmental issues, trade facilitation, market access, and public diplomacy, through educational and cultural outreach. The Getting to Know Europe program will support 4 to 5 grants of between €200,000 and €250,000 each.
Want to apply for Getting to Know Europe?
A wide variety of organizations are eligible to apply for GTKE and past recipients have included universities, NGOs, business associations, cultural institutions, and local community groups.
If you think that the Getting to Know Europe program would be a good fit for your organization or institution, we’ve just released the call for proposals for the 2017–2019 grant cycle. You can find the call as well as more details about eligibility, a list of past grantees, and short descriptions of some of their GTKE activities here.
Even if you are not looking to be a grant recipient, there are plenty of ways you can get involved with GTKE. Keep an eye on our events website as many of our grantees’ events are open to the public!
