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They will talk about the European Union, discuss the problems they face every day in their countries and share their dreams, all while having a great time.

What are we talking about? The closing event of the BORN in EU!

The final event of the BORN in EU project took place on 20th and 21st March in Brussels, attended by 25 people – the most active participants from the 5 partner countries involved in the project: Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain.

The core of the first day of the event was a workshop that allowed us to get to know each other better and to integrate. We found out how much we have in common – even though some of us live at opposite ends of Europe. We have the same interests, we face similar difficulties and our dreams are no different.

A key part of the workshop was to identify the main issues we would be addressing. So first of all, each participant said what was important to them. We formed a values map (in the shape of a large honeycomb) out of hexagons, and based on this we divided into groups.

In groups we explored these issues in more depth. We discussed what these values mean to us, what problems we see and what we would like to change. We also shared our experiences of the difficulties we face in Europe, no matter where we live.

The issues we discussed were:

• Human rights, including the right to security and a dignified life – we spent a large part of the discussion talking about refugees; women’s rights – here the voice of women from Poland and Italy was very strong; and equality.
• Education – equal access to education regardless of where you live and how much money you have, with a focus on European education – so that we can better understand what the European Union is and how the EU institutions work, so that we can develop a European identity from an early age – the awareness that we are not only citizens of our own country, but also citizens of the European Union.
• Macroeconomics – sustainable development, respect for the environment and animal rights, respect for the primary sector.
• Microeconomics – dignified jobs and decent salaries for young people to be able to support themselves, the high cost of living, especially rents, was also strongly voiced.

We left the workshop integrated and full of enthusiasm. We spent the rest of the first day getting to know Brussels better and recharging our batteries for the second day of the event.

On the second day we visited the European Parliament. Thanks to the kindness of MEP Róża Thun’s office and with the great support of the representatives of the Renew Europe group, a meeting was organised where we were able to share with EU decision makers the results of our workshop work as well as our experiences from the whole project .

Our guests:

• Ms. Róża Thun – Member of the European Parliament
• Mr. Jakub Boratyński – Director of Networks & Governance in the DG for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW, European Comission)
• Ms. Joanna Jeżyk-Maj – Policy Advisor in CULT Committee
• Mr. Łukasz Klejnowski – Policy Advisor at the European Parliament
• Ms. Maud Cattiaux – Project Officer European Education and Culture Executive Agency

The participants – selected representatives from each group – reported on the results of their work and presented proposals for change. Together with our guests, we discussed what we would like to change in the EU and what kind of future we dream of.

Participating in the event – coming to Brussels, visiting the EP, having the opportunity to speak in one of the halls of the Parliament in the presence of EP and EC representatives, intercultural exchange with other participants, breaking down language barriers – was a great experience for us.

We returned home enriched with new experiences. The fact that we were able to exchange our experiences and views with people from other European countries and to confront them with representatives of the EU institutions. This is a great asset that will bear fruit in the future.

The great value of this event is also something that cannot be measured – new acquaintances and wonderful memories of shared discussions, but also laughter, fun and… singing together.

Born in EU has received funding under Grant Agreement n. 101081706, from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) programme. Project is implemented in 5 countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain).