The last day of the conference began with the applause of 200 tired young people who had partied until late. The working groups which were formed on the previous day presented to the audience the outcomes of their collaborative work.
by Mihaela Georgescu
Most of the groups created videos, bringing together every team member’s perception of what enlargement of the EU means. There were many ideas, lots of creativity and different perspectives displayed. Yet, a few concepts popped out as common ground what Europe brings: solidarity, exchange, no borders and no visas, improved higher education, opportunities, diversity, life quality, sharing, unity. This might show a common vision that the European Union has managed to communicate. Other concepts that came out of the groups’ work referred to aspects such as infrastructure, friendship, democracy, human rights, equality, tolerance and freedom.
The most popular outcome was, however, a live experience created by ‘lucky’ group 13: with their eyes closed and their hands held, the participants were asked to picture themselves growing from early childhood to present, turning into an European citizen, no matter the nationality, color or experience. Opening their eyes, they met and hugged their new European friend whose hand they were holding.
“A feeling you create is more powerful than any other type of message,” Koen, a member of group 13, said when asked about this unique idea. And indeed, the feeling that filled the conference room with warmth and an “awww” effect, for a few seconds of “we are all the same kind, all Europeans,” will certainly last until participants return home. Because that’s what being European is all about – leaving stereotypes aside, embracing diversity and sharing values or feelings.
