We’re glad you’re here. OPEN EU is a project that uses storytelling, conversations and shared learning to help people better understand each other. It focuses on real-life experiences from local people, migrants and displaced persons, exploring how different perspectives shape the way we see the world.
Here, you’ll find stories, learning resources and practical tools that support open dialogue, challenge stereotypes and encourage more inclusive ways of thinking. Whether you are an educator, part of a community organisation or simply interested in learning more, this space is for you.
OPEN EU creates opportunities for people to listen, reflect and connect through shared experiences, helping to build understanding across communities.
Across Europe, conversations about migration, identity and belonging are often shaped by misunderstanding, fear and one-sided narratives. These discussions can create distance between people, reinforce stereotypes and make it harder for communities to live and work together with trust and respect.
Many people have limited opportunities to hear directly from others with different experiences. Stories about migrants and displaced persons are often told without their voices, which can lead to simplified or negative views. At the same time, local communities may feel unheard or uncertain about change. This lack of shared understanding can increase division and make open, respectful dialogue more difficult.
OPEN EU creates small, practical communities where people can come together to share experiences and learn from each other. These groups bring together educators, community organisations and individuals from different backgrounds, including local people, migrants and displaced persons. Through guided discussions and activities, participants explore topics such as identity, belonging and inclusion. These spaces are designed to be open and supportive, helping people build trust, reflect on different perspectives and develop new ways of thinking that they can use in their own communities.
At the centre of OPEN EU is a collection of real-life stories shared through podcasts and digital storytelling. These stories give voice to different experiences and help make complex social issues easier to understand. Alongside this, the project is developing an online learning space where users can access stories, learning materials and practical tools in one place. The platform allows people to explore content at their own pace, reflect on what they hear and connect stories to wider themes such as equality and community life. This combination of storytelling and digital learning supports both personal reflection and practical learning.
OPEN EU organises workshops and public events that bring people together to learn, share and take part in open conversations. These include local workshops and larger events that celebrate diversity and encourage dialogue across communities. Activities are designed to be practical and participatory, helping people move from discussion to action. The project also shares its work through online content and public events, making the results visible and accessible to a wider audience. This helps extend the impact beyond the immediate participants and supports longer-term change in how communities understand and connect with each other.
