Young people are aware of the European Union and the rights they have in it, they support the idea of integration but they ask much more to be done so that the EU comes closer to the citizens giving them the opportunity to co-shape its future.
These were the main points of the discussions held by the students of the 12th Gymnasium of Kallithea at the meeting organized at their school within the European Local Citizens (ELC) project.
The meeting took place under the guidance of Professor Ms. Keramaris Aretis and the executives of the municipality of Kallithea Andreas Theologou, head of the Design and Planning department, and Vasiliki Tzoumakas, employee of the Design and Planning department. The students had the opportunity to present their views more thoroughly and to discuss the importance of the European Union and how they perceive their own role within it.
This event took stock of the discussions held during the International event that took place in the town hall on April 19, 2024, when, as part of the student festival, the European partners of the ELC from 5 different countries met, watched presentations by the students from the schools of Kallithea and discussed with them about the multifaceted dimension of European citizenship.
Starting from the Maastricht Treaty that established European citizenship, the students presented tangible examples that in their opinion are directly linked to it, such as the ability to travel, study and reside in any EU country without restrictions, but also the right of European citizens to stand as candidates in municipal and European elections in their place of residence regardless of their country of origin.
Naturally, shortly before the European elections and a few days after the celebration of Europe Day (May 9), the discussion included broader issues, regarding the perception that children have of "what Europe means".
Indicatively, the role of MEPs and their duties in Brussels and Strasbourg was discussed, the image they have through the lessons but also from what they hear on TV and the internet about the European Union and above all what they would like to change so that Europe can come closer to its citizens.
As part of the event, a live connection was made with the Ypsona High School in Cyprus, where the Panikos Hatzihampis Foundation, which is also a partner of the project, organized a similar event within the project and the students had the opportunity to exchange opinions and find out if they share the same priorities, anxieties and desires for the European future.
Many points of commonality and interest emerged from this discussion and the students agreed to stay in touch and seek to expand their cooperation on other topics.
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