After visiting Romania and Germany, the European Commission information campaign for European citizenship came to Bulgaria under the motto: "European citizenship: not just words but also concrete rights." The campaign was in the form of a presentation roadshow which visited 20 Bulgarian cities for the period 11th – 22nd of November 2008. It aimed at informing the Bulgarian citizens about their rights as citizens of the European Union - rights defined in the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights.
"The more European elections nearing, the more important for citizens of member states of the European Union, to realize their rights as European citizens," said Mr Jacques Barrot, Vice-president of the European Commission. "Need to raise awareness of Europeans about their rights, to be given the opportunity to enjoy these rights in any of any Member State and throughout the world." Through this campaign we increased protection, better understanding and respect for the rights of EU citizens.
EU citizens can vote and be elected to local and European elections in the Member State in which they reside, their have right to good administration from the European institutions, access to the Union and petitions to the European Parliament, diplomatic and consular protection by any EU member state in case a problem somewhere where the country, whose nationality the citizen is, has no representation. Last, but not least, right to reside and move freely throughout the European Union.
The information campaign will started on 11th November 2008, with a press conference in the building of the European Commission in Sofia and passed through 20 Bulgarian cities. It had to cover a total of 12 000 citizens from all age groups but in fact we believed that it covered much more – around 20 000. It involved and informed people, visiting the travelling stands that beared the symbols of the European Union and the campaign. The stands were located in public places outdoors where their visitors could easily participate in interactive games related to the topic of European citizenship and ask their questions. They had the opportunity to test and deepen their knowledge about their rights as European citizens and received numerous gifts (brochures, mini-books and bads with promotional materials).
The campaign is undoubtedly successful. Three things can be done better in future:
1.    The campaign has to be carried out in a more favourable season (e.g. spring or autumn).
2.    The tent for the stand has to be of lighter and easier-to-work-with structure.
3.    There has to be a back-up plan if the teams overpass the target and need more materials.