AVITAE February 2017

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A.V.I.T.A.E

AVITAE: Special Issue Special Issue on the EU to celebrate the sixty years since the ratification of the Treaty of Rome (25 March 1957). Students of each country were asked to approach the subject of the European Union from the perspective of their own choosing.

The European Union, the Future of Europe or an Unsuccessful Experiment?

by Rasmus Hökkä, Julius Yrjänä, Ossi Tuuttila, Victoria Peltoniemi, Elias Saari, Finland

Almost 100 year old Finland has been a member of the European Union for over 22 years now. Anyone born since Finland joined the union have only known Finland as a part of the EU. This behemoth of a trade and political union has grown and changed since its founding and today has 28 member states spanning across the European continent with an estimated population of 510 million people in total. It is even considered to be a current or a potential superpower alongside the U.S. The EU sounds pretty impressive, and it is. However such a huge system doesn’t come without its faults.

Many people have criticized the EU for being too complex, hard to understand and hard to manage as an organization. People also say that it is too controlling over its member states for a mere political/economical union.

Finns often say that there’s not enough representation for Finland in the European Parliament and that the little we do have is meaningless.

Not to mention the EU’s apparent ineffectiveness to deal with larger scale issues such as the refugee crisis quickly and effectively enough.

When you lay down the is-

sues and faults of the EU, it does look bad. This doesn’t necessarily meant that the Union should be scrapped as an experiment that didn’t go as planned. Throughout history multinational organizations and alliances have crumbled at the first stepping stone or after long term decline. For the European Union the stepping stone today is the refugee crisis, and its organizational issues are its long term problem. This is why the system needs to adapt, it needs to overcome its difficulties and change if it wishes to survive.

It is doing those things but is it doing them fast enough?

More importantly, are the changes enough in the first place? Some people don’t think the EU can adapt and want it gone, while others people, the citizens of EU are willing to give it a chance. aren’t fully aware of them? In fact, very few Finnish people For anyone wondering: Is actually know how the systhe idea of a united, strong- tem works and what it does. er Europe so cheap and easy This is especially obvious to throw away? On the other with the younger generahand, is sacrificing so much tions, who have lived in the for such an enormous prob- EU for their entire lives! This lematic system really worth situation is definitely probit? And at what cost exactly? lematic, as the citizens of EU Both sides or the argument don’t know the system that’s have valid points. supposed to exist for them to begin with. There’s definiThe issues and benefits of tely work needed to be done the EU go even deeper and on the PR department of the into far bigger things, but EU. Perhaps introducing EU how can such things change oriented courses and classes or even be discussed if the available for all age groups

would solve this at least partially. In any case, awareness of the union should definitely be raised in some way.

In the end it always comes down to the people, no matter how big the system is.

This brings us to the everyday Finnish EU citizen. Naturally, the union has an impact on all of our lives, its regulations and rules affect us all in one way or another. We all enjoy the benefits of easy travelling and some of us get to experience EU funded education and business projects for example. Yet being

a citizen of the EU isn’t really obvious in the everyday life of the average person in Finland. It’s there, but you don’t really see it apart from the currency and the things you see and hear from news.

This is a part of the reason why only few people identify as “European”, instead most rather identify as “Finnish”. This loops back to the awareness problem, the lack of information and obvious presence of the EU in our everyday lives only adds to the mystery of it.

Lack of understanding the

union makes it scarier, and when the constant negative news feed about new regulations or crises gets added on top that it’s easy to forget the positives of the EU. A hundred years ago people would’ve laughed at the idea of a unified Europe, yet today it is reality, it has become everyday life. We all know how hard it is to appreciate things that become the norm like peace and unity for example. Things that we really only learn to truly appreciate once they are gone…

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A Stronger EU Is a Shared Vision

by Laura Prier Albrink, Denmark Responsibility is an important noun. If you look it up in the dictionary, it’ll tell you that having responsibility is the burden of obligation upon one who is responsible. The greatest responsibility towards the European Union’s citizens lies on the shoulder upon the members of the EU. Obviously the EU’s first responsibility is towards the EU’s citizens because they are the one that they have to meet when they represent their interest, their collective interest, their values, expectations, but also, I believe, especially in these days, the EU has a collective responsibility to the citizens as for letting them see and realise what the European Union actually represents in the world because sometimes we know that the European Union seen from the outside sometimes shows much more added value than when you look at it from the inside and out.

member states need to gain a stronger vision that is shared but also make common actions. To create a stronger EU with shared visions is, as l see it, key issues such as freedom and safety. It is very important to tune in on our common mission, and our common message in the months to come. And my message would be in a word, a mix of European pride and hunger for change, and the ambition to realise this change that will happen. When the EU was founded in 1958, it was based upon a dream of cooperation.

The European Union citizens hunger for even more freedom and more safety. And that should be the key issues that the Union could share those visions. When people are safe they are more giving, and freedom gives people the ability to be larger when it comes to agreements.

A stronger EU needs cooperation and a shared vision on key A shared vision is a good issues to make the EU a much component to a better EU. The stronger union.

Federica Mogherini is an Italian politician, who is the Vice-President of the European Commission. ‘’We have to work together, we have to work together inside the Union and with our partners. The message might be a bit simplified but I think we have to get back to basics sometimes.’’[1] These are the words of Federica Mogherini at the EU Ambassadors Conference. And I could not agree more. To make a stronger EU we have to go back to those values it was founded upon, going back to the basic and grabbing a hold of these key issues that we all know matter. Respect the values such as freedom and the possibility and responsibility that is cooperation between member states and EU’s partners.

The European Union - What Does This Mean Exaclty?

by Noemi Biagini, Giulia Paladini, Bianca Vannucci, Italy

The Treaty of Rome of 1957 stated the creation of the European Economic Community, which would gradually lead to the foundation of the European Union. During these sixty years, a great community composed of many different cultures and traditions and based on the values of equality, democracy and mutual solidarity has been developed, and it has contributed to change its citizens’ political, cultural and everyday life with the aim of demolishing physical and mental walls.

As far as the political changes are concerned, European people are now allowed to freely cross their national borders and circulate flexibly without having to show their passports all the time, thanks to the Schengen Agreement; this has facilitated all sorts of exchanges, including the multiculural ones, and accordingly the basis for the development of a European mindset has been laid. Regarding the interplay among the Member States, the Treaty also encourages international support and collaboration in case of specific needs of a member State. On top of that, compulsory, Europe-wide quality standards have been introduced for the air we breath, and EU countries must make sure that these standards are upheld. In addition, Member States make their health in-

surance cover available to each other.

Economically speaking, the European single market of over 500 million people increased trade among the EU countries from € 800 billion in 1992 to € 2800 billion in 2011, and has gradually abolished national monopolies in order to enhance competition.

Moreover, from the cultural point of view, we are witnessing a growing open-mindedness and toleration regarding diversities, and in many cases a genuine interest for foreign customs and traditions can be perceived in many European citizens.

As growing students, we are experiencing transformations in our ordinary as well as educational lifestyle. As a matter of fact, unlike the previous generations, we can now appreciate international didactic approaches which, besides giving us the opportunity to feel European in our classrooms, also let us spend learning time abroad and enjoy life-changing experiences - let us think of the teaching/learning programs of the European Youth Parliament, or of Erasmus+, which provides students with the financial, educational and organisational support that is needed to guarantee school-to school-to mobilities or undergraduate-

centered academic experiences across the EU..not to mention the opportunity of a work placement away from home, somewhere in the EU, for young anspiring EU workers.

Furthermore, we can recognise the importance of an education system focused on European values; this will form a new political class which will be

more aware of the tasks and the responsibilities that it will have to face in the future.

However, in spite of these very positive aspects, in several EU member States there are today many political parties or currents of thought which believe that the European Union doesn’t constitute a valuable asset for its citizens: in their un-

European claims, these parties or factions lament the loss of national identities, the damages caused to local markets by the internationalization of trade, and the excessive influence of EU institutions on national policies.

All things considered, in spite of the fact that we still have a long way ahead of us before so-

mething like a real political and not just economic or monetary Union comes to life, we can’t be anything but proud of the developments and innovations that have been made across our beloved continent during these sixty years, and we are now more hopeful than ever eah time we think of the worthiness of the EU.

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#Eudialogue - Meeting the EU Commissioner, Tibor Navrascics

by Elena Demetriou, Melissa Geissler, Cyprus On the 15th of December 2016, students of Laniteio Lyceum travelled to Nicosia to represent their school at a meeting with Tibor Navrascics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.

Mr Navrascics has certain responsibilities in the European Commission. For example, he is responsible for identifying how to invest and modernize Europe’s education systems, so that they help people find rewarding jobs which will also support economic growth.

That was one of the main subjects discussed during the conference. Students were able to exchange opinions and had the chance to ask questions about the future of Europe and how Europe would influence their own future. The answers we received, regarding the work done by the European Commission, gave us hope.

A major subject discussed throughout the conference was the chance given to youngsters to participate in many European Programmes such as e-Twinning, European Solidarity Corps and EU’s largest Programme so far, Erasmus.

Erasmus gives the opportunity to students (studying in schools or universities) to travel throughout Europe in order to live their lives beyond boundaries. Students in this programme volunteer in many events, work on projects and familiarize themselves with the different cultures and way of life of other European countries. Furthermore, Erasmus offers job opportunities to people with a strong desire to discover the rest of Europe.

The European Commissioner informed us that in 2017 we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Erasmus.

Unemployment is one of the most severe problems in the European Union. Tibor Navrascics mentioned that the employment rate will increase in the next 5-10 years due to the opportunities that are given and will be given by the commission.

He noted that the development of social skills play an important role in our employability chances. Social skills build a person’s character and help them gain fundamental qualifications for work. For instance, time management, organization and the ability to work under pressure

are very important qualities.

Last but not least, the European Commissioner answered several questions regarding the problems youngsters are faced with, especially in our small country.

A major problem in recent years is the new Education System which is being implemented, as it has caused significant disagreement between generations. Among other things, the Commissioner mentioned the example of Portugal’s educational system which has adjusted and developed rapidly in order to satisfy the needs of the new generation.

It was a great pleasure meeting such a wonderful individual who was in a position to answer all our questions and inform us about all the goals the European Commission has set and is working on accomplishing.

The conference taught us that we should fight for our rights and for a better future. We were grateful that our voice could be heard regardless of our young age and we left feeling somewhat more confident and secure about our future.

What Should the European Parliament’s Policy Be on Development?

by Elena Demetriou, Cyprus

How responsible should the European Parliament be for developing countries? Does the current economic crisis in Europe justify a decrease in EU financial aid? What kind of aid should be provided by the European Union to developing countries?

The European Parliament should be responsible for developing countries but only after considering a decision from all angles. The EU should find a way through the European parliament to help these developing countries.

If financial aid is a problem, technical assistance and specialized support should be given to help these countries to stand on their own. Decreasing financial aid to other countries due to the rising needs of EU itself as a temporary measure is justified, if other supporting aid is secured as mentioned above.

The European Union should establish an advisory committee with technocrats and specialists at their disposal in order to give technical and other support to these countries and also to improve trade for

mutual benefit. Furthermore, by sending an advisory committee to these countries the specialist-consultants could encourage the government to take advantage of their natural resources and improve their agriculture sector. Therefore, more people would be able to get employment.

Another way that support aid can be given from EU to these countries is through education. More schools should be constructed, with an emphasis on teaching children about and making them aware of their economic problems. This will, hopefully, increase their willingness to get tertiary education and study at a university in order to change the political situation of their country. In order to give them access to education , attending school should be a mandatory part of children’s life instead of working.

Additionally, EU could give an incentive to people who live in developing countries to be educated for instance by giving scholarships to young girls to attend school. Also, for example, EU could give scholarships topupils who have excellent

marks to study at a European University. This would give them the opportunity to learn about the European Culture, so when they return to their own countries they will disseminate this knowledge, with the hope that their standard of living will start rising.

Since European culture and mentality are different from those of developing countries, it would be beneficial to organize events to inform these people about personal hygiene and the effects of serious diseases like HIV/AIDS in order for them to protect themselves.

Moreover, in order to improve their way of life more hospitals should be constructed with a more advanced technology, so people could be vaccinated, consequently restricting the spread of disease.

Last but not least, EU should find a way of ensuring household access to safe drinking water. It would be good to encourage the building of latrines, thus allowing people in developing countries to live in a healthier environment.

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Greece’s course in the EU

by Theodora Katti, Tasos Kontos, Iasonas Krapsitis, Greece The first application of Greece for accession to the newly established European Economic Community in June 1959, an application that led to the Association Agreement between Greece and the EEC, was signed in June 1961. This Agreement, which in fact constituted the first step towards Greece’s integration into the European Community, ”froze” following the imposition of dictatorship in Greece (April 1967) and was re-activated after democracy was restored (July 1974).

The Greek Government and Konstantinos Karamanlis in particular, aimed at integrating the country into the European Union as a full member. The application for full accession was submitted on July 12, 1975.

The reasons for this are the following: Greece considered that the Community would bring stability into its democratic political system and institutions.

Greece wanted to make clear its free status from the post-war dependence upon the United States of America (US) and get the ”power to negotiate”, particularly in relation to Turkey, which, after the invasion and occupation of Cyprus (July 1974), appeared as a major threat to Greece.

Accession to the Community was regarded by Greece as a way for the development and modernization of the Greek economy and society.

The European Community, through a European Commission’s proposal, deci-

ded a pre-accession transition period before full institutional integration, in order that the necessary economic reforms would be set.

Prime Minister Karamanlis appealed to the governments of the nine member states - France and Germany in particular - and the Commission’s proposal was rejected. Accession negotiations started in July 1976 and finished in May 1979, with the signing of the Accession Deed in Athens (Zappeion Megaron).

The Greek Parliament ratified the Accession Deed of Greece

to the European Community on June 28, 1979. The Accession Treaty got into force two years later, on January 1, 1981.

Greece’s participation in the European Community / Union over the period 1981-2002 could be divided into three basic sub-periods: the first, from 1981 to 1985, the second, from 1985 to 1995, and the third, from 1996 to date.

The first period was characterized by Greece’s strong doubts about the role of certain aspects of the European institutions, politics and de-

fense. Greece asked for further economic support in order to develop the Greek economy.

It’ s then when we received the first ”Delors packet”.

During the second period of participation, the policy Greece started adopting the ”federal” integration model in areas like education, health, and environment. On the other hand, in the political sector, the issue of the FYROM name was a good reason for grievances.

Moreover, since 1987 Greece started to have as its main goal Cyprus’ accession to the Euro-

pean Community and started to support the Nicosia Government in their effort until their application for accession was submitted in June 1990.

In the third period integration was deepened in every sector. Greece was among the Member States supporting the adoption of a European Constitution. Greece participated as a full member in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and adopted the single currency (euro) on January 1, 2002.

Greece has also been a supporter of the Union’s enlargement

through the accession of the countries of Eastern Europe.

The fourth Hellenic EU Presidency (first semester 2003) was a success for Greece and it was during this Presidency that the EU had its largest wave of enlargement in its history (10 new member states).

The fifth Hellenic Presidency (first semester 2014) was held in the midst of the worst economic and social crisis in the recent history of the European Union.

The EU and Greek teenagers

by Ioanna Kaskaouti, Marianthi Gountza, Vasia Dragataki, Greece

When we were asked to write an article answering to this question we were rather at a loss. We asked ourselves about that and we couldn‘t come up with a straight answer.

So we started asking around.

Our classmates and people of our age were not much of a help.

They were not quite sure how much the fact that we live in a country – member of the EU can affect our lives and how different things would have been if we were out of it.

I don’t want to excuse myself but, I believe, there is a good reason for that ignorance and our state of mind.

The thing is that we have been used to this kind of situation since we were born. There was nothing for us to compare. We had no different past. We simply took everything for granted: our presence in an environment that was strongly influenced by the fact that we have been in the European family since 1981.

We started having answers to our concern when we talked to older people: teachers or parents. They made us realize that belonging to a Union like the European one can bring about many changes in the life of a country. For some grownups it was a blessing and for others a menace. Their reasons were mainly political.

But we are young people.

We shouldn’t be so much concerned about finances and politics. We should try objectively to see what this partnership has offered to us. So, first and foremost, as a school we were given the opportunity to be granted some European money so as to carry out European projects. This has happened twice and we hope we will have the chance to do it again. The benefits of these two projects were great. We had the opportunity to meet people from countries really far away from ours, eg Latvia, in our first project or Finland in the second one and people clo-

ser to us that speak the same language and have the same religion as we do but we couldn’t afford meeting them otherwise. So we lived in the flesh this ideal of different people coming together in a common ground.

Because in these projects we really got together, sharing common and different things.

We spent time in other people’s homes experiencing their cultures and habits. We were trusted with money to create, new, innovative things; we produced outcomes and new ideas. We even got involved in things we did not particularly like or we didn’t know that we liked.

We realized that travelling around was facilitated due to this Union. In the past, crossing borders was not an easy thing sometimes. We became all citizens of a common world and that felt great.

As young people we never had the experience of different currencies. We are the generation of the Euro and we see the positive aspect in that.

We found out that the E.U. policies are particularly sensitive towards the protection of the environment and people’s health. This attitude creates a common framework that governments have to respect. We also loved this.

The project Euroscola offers to us the opportunity to have our voice heard in the European Parliament. Students from our school participated in the project and came back really excited by the experience.

All in all, we love our country,

our culture our particularities but we can easily see all these making sense within the european framework.

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The Birth of the EEC, the Rise of the EU

by Sara Bertolli and Maraja Tempestini, Italy The European Union, as we know it today, has been created by degrees over the years. The first attempt of a pacific community of nations was carried out in Europe at the end of 1950s, exactly on March 25th, 1957 when the Treaty of Rome was stipulated; the treaty gave birth to the European Economic Community (EEC).

Only six countries took part into it: Belgium, France, Italy, German Federal Republic, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands; they were united in the European Single Market.

The aim of this community was to create an economic integration between the members, characterized by the elimination of customs in order to make the exchanges of goods easier.

Since 1957 many decisions have been taken, and little by little our endeared EU has begun to shape itself.

Nowadays being a European citizen means enjoying the harmonization process between member states that

has taken so long to become true. Just think about the larger and larger impact on our lives of the rules that have been issued for environmental protection, consumer protection, for the promotion of sustainable development, and, more significantly, for employment policies. Let us also consider the European rules on health care for citizens travelling around the EU, the Erasmus+ program which allows young people to gain experience at both school and university level in one of the EU member states (so, for instance, an undergraduate student can begin his courses at home and then continue them in Tenerife or in Finland!), in order to “marketise” his academic and professional qualifications anywhere in the Union.

It is true: the European Union as it was conceived by EU founding father Altiero Spinelli on the tiny Italian island of Ventotene has not been realized yet. However, if he had the opportuni-

ty to see us now, he would be proud of who we, the young people, are trying to become: conscientious and truly unified European citizens, veritable friends and enthusiastic ‘Erasmians’.

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InterRail for Interconnection

by Carsten Skov, Denmark “The elitist project of a unified Europe will never succeed!”, critics cry. Nevertheless, they’re not protesting just for the sake of it. They object because many of them feel like the EU is striving for something unachievable. The idea of a European continent, with a common authoritative body that everyone can agree on, may seem farfetched to some. They argue that the cultural, religious, historical and maybe even ethnic differences seize the potential of a sustainable and functioning EU. Its laws can never be appropriate or welcomed across the entire span of the

union’s member states. “It’s simply unrealistic”, critics proclaim. When EU bans the sale of high energy-consuming light bulbs and vacuum cleaners, it may prove a popular directive in Denmark, an environmental frontrunner, but experience less support in other countries.

However, if we are to dismiss light bulbs as the cause of EU’s potential demise, the criticism remains a legitimate concern to many.

Throughout history, Europe has been an epicentre of war and conflict. Even both world wars had their outbreaks on European soil.

Nonetheless, the European Union is divided in aspects other than historical. The EU recognises 24 official languages amongst its member states and a vast variety of religions. Despite 72% of the EU being Christian, there are still a number of denominations such as Catholicism, Protestantism, Easter Orthodoxy etc. So how can the EU establish a common European identity whilst having its citizens shielded from each other’s culture, values and beliefs?

The answer to this question is…it can’t.

Manfred Weber has found a long-term solution to this issue – by granting 18-yearolds a free InterRail pass on behalf of the EU. Though, yet to be passed by parliament, the proposal has gained extensive support the recent weeks and will likely be implemented within a year.

Allowing young adults to explore their continent as they please will become an inevitable eye-opener for the younger generations. The future of Europe will not be a story of cultural barriers and divided nations, but instead a tale of embracement and greater solidarity between Fortunately, German MEP its peoples. The youth of

today will grow to feel a sense of European belonging. A belonging that will extend to continued support of the EU and its fundamental ideals. Ideals that have faith in European citizens to embrace each other and work towards mutually beneficial goals.

One of the most iconic pillars of the EU is its single market and dedication to the “four freedoms”. Granting a free InterRail pass will only help promote these freedoms, especially the freedom of movement, and thus potentially boost the combined economy of the

single market. It may even help combat the high levels of youth unemployment which, in particular, plague Southern Europe.

At the end of the day, the EU is offering its young citizens a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore the continent of Europe. The so-called “elitists” are showing interest and gratitude towards those who will tackle the future issues of the EU. The best of it all? The gratitude will be rewarded with a more harmonious, sustainable and appreciative union.

Making a Difference - Youth Influence in the EU

by Sanna Halunen, Katja Keskitalo, Finland

The European Union is all around us. It influences everything in our everyday life; from the leaders of our countries to the price of milk in the corner store. Even though the EU is something that we all know, we hardly know the main goals of the Union or the rights given to us by it.

We think that we cannot change the direction of the Union decisions, but, actually, that is not true. The question isn’t if one individual can make an influence to the acts made by the decision makers in Brussels, but how

can one influence them? Es- travelling to new countries pecially, how can a youngs- and learning new skills. ter get involved in important matters that also influence One path is influencing his or her life? through different youth organizations, for example The youths are actual- Scouts and Guides or Ally one of the EU’s greatest liance. They can always take concerns nowadays. The EU the important issues to the wishes to invest in educati- upper level, for example via on, youth internationality the European Youth Forum and collaboration between (YFJ). It is a society for Eudifferent nations. Cimo ropean youths. Via the YFJ, funds different youth pro- young people are able to jects, for example Erasmus+ take part in interesting meeand all kind of activity to inc- tings to represent different rease the conscious of social organisations. Its goal is and governmental issues of to unite different national EU. Some of us have already councils and non-governbeen part of these projects, mental organisations and to

be a voice for young people. a fresh view on some matters. Not to mention that YFJ wants to give youth or- they have power to change ganisations and via them to things. the youngsters the possibility to participate. It is a great The Union wants to hear way to make a difference and the views of youths, but have an influence on impor- there is still a long way to tant matters, especially on go before young people are those that actually have an well-represented in the EU. impact on the youth of EU. Even though he amount of youths in decision making This all might seem diffi- has been increased, there cult, but it is very important. aren’t many under 30-yearIt is crucial that there are not olds in the high levels. This only some old people ma- is why the biggest goal of king decisions which affects YFJ is to actually change the us all, because they might structure of decision making not know everything, after in EU. The society doesn’t all. Young people can have just want to keep up as it

goes, but it wants to enable youths to become the decision makers of EU. Young people are growing their power in the Union. We have the possibility to make a difference. We, youngsters, are the future of these countries, and we have a lot to offer. If you think that you can’t have an impact on the society around you, you’re wrong. Every one of us can make a difference.

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Time to Talk: EU Languages

by Paula Blanco Rios, Tenerife “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” As Nelson Mandela pointed out, languages are so much more than a mere medium of communication between people who come from different countries.

They are so much more than a group of sounds, funny pictures on paper and a set of rules which are combined to create a logical communicative tool between two individuals.

They are the symbol of a culture, a society, a civilization. Whenever a language dies, an entire culture ushers its last cry before vanishing from the surface of our planet.

That is the reason why we change, even if only a little, each time we learn a new language. One starts to use words and phrases we would not necessarily say in our own mother tongue. Our scope widens: we start to see our society from a different point of view. New situations and environments do not shock

us as much as they used to: we are more open-minded when meeting people from the other side of the world.

We come to accept the fact that our world is inhabited by multiple, very different cultures, and that none of them is superior in any way to the others. Language learning enables us to grow as human beings, as people.

This phenomenon can be observed within the context of the European Union. The EU congregates 28 different countries, in which more than 60 different languages are spoken.

It is an immensely diverse cultural environment. We have been careful enough to both respect and protect this cultural diversity.

We can see it in the abundance of regional languages (such as Basque, Galician or Welsh) and their acknowledgement by the government. We see it in the countless efforts to revive languages in the verge of dying and in the encouragement of their usage through education, like with Irish Gaelic.

It is remarkable, however, that such diversity has its downside: it could potentially complicate communication between cultures. Luckily, the EU has continuously encouraged us to overcome this barrier. The fact that the EU has 24 official languages, together with the support they give to programmes such as Erasmus+ which aims at education, training youth and sport, heartens multilingualism as a bridge between cultures.

We live in a world in which cultural clashes are a constant source of inequality, injustice and discrimination. Learning languages allows us to peek into someone else’s mind, thus also reaching their society and values. It promotes respect, non-discrimination and tolerance. They help us communicate. And maybe it is communication the one thing missing from our attempts at creating a better community worldwide.

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EU Back to School

by Tenerife team Our AVITAE group interviewed Ms Raquel Fernández Horcajada, an economist with specialisation in European Affairs by the College of Europe in Belgium. After a decade working in European research and innovation projects in the Canary Islands, she moved to Brussels in order to work for the European Commission. Currently she is a Research Programme Officer at the Research Executive Agency of the European Commission where she is involved in the Excellence pillar of H2020, specifically in the Future and Emerging Technologies programme.

She visited our High School, and we had an interesting workshop on the European Union: information, posters, quizzes, games, prizes.

The project she presented is called “EU back to school”, where former students who

are now working in the EU visit the High Schools where they studied, and talk with the students about the EU. “EU back to school” puts a face on Europe for young students and brings the EU institutions closer. The project gives us, students a unique chance to ask questions on the EU and learn something from the experiences of people who are actually helping make European integration a reality. It helps better understand how the EU works, learn about European policies and discover educational programmes we can participate in, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus. These are some of the questions we asked her.

- We know that EU has many interesting proposals for schools and teachers, like the Erasmus+ projects that we have in our school, but, what programmes can young people apply for?

Apart from ERASMUS + there are other programs such as European Voluntary Service, Youth Guarantee, or European Youth Portal.

Made by Roni Ohvo and Tytti Karsikko from Finland

See the programmes mentioned before in this website links: European Voluntary Service: https://europa.eu/youth/ EU/voluntar y-activities/ european-voluntary-service_en Youth Guarantee: h t t p : //e c . e u r o p a . eu/social/main. jsp?catId=1079&langId=en European Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/ EU_en

- Which ones would you recommend?

It depends on each student of course, but ERASMUS + is definitely the one I would recommend. Studying abroad has been shown to have a positive effect on later job prospects. It is also a chance - What would you suggest to improve language skills, to the new generation of gain self-confidence and in- European citizens? dependence and immerse in To expand their minds hacultures. ving enriching experiences like studying abroad, lear- Where can we, youngs- ning new languages, meeting ters, get the information? people from different cultu-

res, participating in European initiatives and international ones.

- What new challenges are there for us? What is our role?

My role is to promote the participation of the European researchers in the European Research Area with joint research and innovation projects. I hope and I am confident that students from AVITAE team shall contribute to the intellectual capital of Europe by bringing new solutions to the current challenges we are facing such as the climate change, ageing population, economic crisis, and others.