From school desks to the heart of Europe: our experience at the EUAMI summer school 2026
This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/from-school-desks-to-the-heart-of-europe-our-experience-at-the-euami-summer-school-2026/
Participating in the EUAMI Summer School 2026 in Brussels was an intense, educational, and inspiring learning journey that turned theoretical concepts into a vibrant, concrete experience. Returning to the classroom after these days means bringing back a whole new awareness of what the European Union truly is and how its institutions operate.
This article has been written by the students from I.S. “E.Fermi” of Mantua (Italy) who took part in the second summer school of the Jean Monnet project “European Values and Migration (EUAMI)” in Brussels from 13 to 17 July 2026. It reflects the personal opinions of the students.
The most impactful part of the entire program was undoubtedly the opportunity to step inside the very places where the future of our continent is shaped: the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union. Through direct discussions with experts and political representatives – such as our meeting with Member of the European Parliament Giorgio Gori, or visiting regional representations like those of the Tuscany Region and the Balearic Islands — we came to understand how EU policies directly connect to local territories and the daily lives of citizens.
Among all the stages of the program, the experience that left the greatest mark on our journey was the visit to the Council of the European Union, and specifically the presentation by Manouela Mavroudi, Political Administrator for Research, Space, Company Law and Consumer Protection at the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU.
Dr. Mavroudi’s address was an exceptional moment of clarity and inspiration. Hearing directly from a high-level official about how complex regulations take shape — from consumer protection to space and research policies — gave us an inside look at the European legislative machine. Her presentation highlighted and conveyed the genuine value of institutional work, showing how technical rigor and political vision come together to drive innovation and safeguard the rights of over 400 million citizens.
It was a deeply valuable debate, where her openness to answering our questions made this European institution feel incredibly close, human, and accessible. In addition to the visits and lectures, a core and engaging activity was the Foreign Affairs Council simulation on the draft Returns Regulation. Stepping into the shoes of negotiators, Member State representatives (as well as human rights organizations and legal experts) helped us realize the complexity of reaching a compromise between security, national sovereignty, and respect for fundamental rights as established by the EU Charter. The activity pushed us to challenge ourselves, practice public speaking, and collaborate actively with peers from other schools and countries.
The EUAMI Summer School program far exceeded our expectations. We didn’t just return home with notions of EU law or policy; we carry with us the awareness of being active European citizens. We learned the importance of dialogue, respect for diversity, and the value of institutions that work every day to protect the founding values of the Union. This experience showed us that Europe is not just a collection of buildings in Brussels, but a living community that we, too, are part of.