What EUAMI in Brussels taught me: European Union is not only about institutions
This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/what-euami-in-brussels-taught-me-european-union-is-not-only-about-institutions/
Before travelling to Brussels, I knew the European Union mostly from school lessons and the news. I expected the EUAMI project to be educational, but I did not expect it to change the way I think about Europe. Looking back, it became one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had.
Author: Ivaylo Grozdanov, student from Emiliyan Stanev Secondary School, in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
From the first day, I enjoyed meeting young people from different European countries. Everyone came with different backgrounds, ideas, and experiences, which made every conversation interesting. It was fascinating to discover how people from different cultures could have different opinions while still sharing the same values of respect and cooperation.
One of my favourite moments was visiting the European Parliament. It was exciting to stand inside a place where important decisions that affect millions of people are made. During the visit, I understood that politics is not only about laws and institutions – it is also about finding solutions that improve people’s lives. Seeing the Parliament in person made everything we had learned feel much more real.
The workshops were another highlight of the project. Instead of sitting through long presentations, we worked in teams, shared opinions, and solved different challenges together. We discussed topics such as democracy, migration, sustainability, and the future of the European Union. Listening to people with completely different perspectives helped me see issues from new angles and appreciate how valuable open discussion can be.
Of course, the project was not only about learning. We also had time to explore Brussels together. Walking through the Grand Place and spending evenings talking with new friends are memories I will always keep. Those moments outside the workshops helped us build real friendships and made the experience even more meaningful.
One of the best parts of the experience was working with people from different countries on common goals. Every activity required us to exchange ideas, cooperate, and find solutions together. It reminded me that the best results often come when people with different perspectives work as one team.
When the project came to an end, saying goodbye was much harder than I expected. It is unbelievable for me to cry about people I met just five days ago. In just a short time, we had become a close group despite living in different countries. I returned home with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a better understanding of what it means to be part of Europe.
The EUAMI project showed me that the European Union is not only about institutions or policies. It is also about people learning from one another, respecting different cultures, and working together to build a better future. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to take part in similar international projects again. Without a doubt i will be telling my future kids about this experience.