The Civilian Cross-Border Service represents an innovative opportunity for young people to engage in a volunteering and training experience that crosses national borders, particularly between Italy and France. This mode of cooperation has also received a significant boost thanks to the Treaty of the Quirinal, a landmark bilateral agreement signed between the two countries in November 2021 and entering into force in February 2023.

The Treaty of the Quirinal aims to strengthen and formalise cooperation between Italy and France in a wide range of areas, consolidating historical, cultural, economic and political ties. The aim is to create closer collaboration on crucial issues such as foreign affairs, security, defence, European policies, migration, justice, economic and industrial cooperation, sustainability, space, education, research, culture and, in particular, cross-border cooperation. In essence, the treaty commits the two countries to coordinate their actions and develop synergies, not only for their mutual benefit, but also to strengthen the European Union and tackle global challenges.

It is precisely in this context of enhanced cooperation that the example of the University of Genoa fits in. The university, together with the association Bowkra Sawa, will take part in a specific cross-border cooperation project between Italy and France. Thanks to this initiative, three French volunteers will be coming to serve at the University of Genoa, and their activities will be equivalent to those carried out in our Civil Service projects. This unique experience allows the young people to develop intercultural and linguistic competences, acquire new skills and actively contribute to community projects, while experiencing an important international mobility.

Civil service 2024 UniGe's proposals - Rai TGR Liguria
University of Genoa launches three civil service projects - la Repubblica
Three new civil service projects from the University of Genoa - Liguria Day
Genova, UniGe: three civil service projects, from helping those studying in prison to cultural cataloguing - Tele Nord
University of Genoa launches three civil service projects - Ansa

A year of civil service, the projects to be launched with Unige and other partners - Rai TGR Liguria

• Quirinal Treaty: Quirinal_Treaty.pdf
• History of the discipline: https://www.politichegiovanili.gov.en/civil-services/history/ 
• In effect: Legislative Decree 6 March 2017 no. 40 "Establishment and discipline of the Universal Civil Service 

Department for Youth Policy and Universal Civil Service

serviziocivile@unige.it