From E.U. to You!

5 young people had the chance to take part in the project "From E.U. to You" in Étang-Salé, Reunion Island from 21 to 28 May, 2024. They shared this experience with their peers coming from Reunion Island, France, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. The main objetives of the youth exchange were to understand the phenomenon of euroscepticism, gain insight into the problems caused by more and more parties promoting a withdrawal from European integration as well as this approach becoming increasingly popular among young people. During the activities a dialogue was opened about this topic, critical thinking was encouraged to acknowledge the advantages of belonging to the EU. The importance of the election on 9th June 2024 was highlighted as well.

This project was aimed at providing participants with insight about the opportunities and positives the EU provides for its citizens, especially to young people. Furthermore to support them by finding their role in society and help them understand the meaning and significance of elections and voting, as an act of defending human rights and democracy. Help them understand the concepts of active citizenship, democratic participantion and democracy itself, so that they can become agents of positive change in their society and Europe. A focus was set on finding strategies to combat euroscepticism and ignorance about the European Union, and by these means foster a positive attitude towards the EU and Europeanism and imagine a future within this frame!

Participants' Testimonies

Being at Reunion. What could I say?

A small piece of the EU, yet outside of Europe. I think this youth exchange has clearly showed that anything is possible if we think and act together as Europeans. I have learned a lot about the life of people who are also my fellow citizens, yet living on a different hemisphere. Besides enjoying the lovely island during the southern "winter", we have learned together how important it is to connect youth with the EU and encourage them to become more active citizens.

Gergő Pálfy

I can say that I had an extraordinary time in La Réunion! This youth exchange truly showed me a new section of the world, where everything is exciting, interesting, new and fun! The project focused on the European Elections, that are a burning topic of this year. We got to debate, discuss and learn from each other. I specifically enjoyed our intercultural nights, where we used non-formal ways to represent Hungary and our culture. We came home with good friends from other European countries and with the island in our hearts. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Balázs Kovács

We took part in the "From E.U. to You! youth exchange with our Italian, Greek, Bulgarian and French peers! Do you know where Reunion is? It's volcanic island in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, an overseas territory of France.

As part of the programme, we learned about the approach of different countries towards the EU. We had the chance to get to know the thoughts of the local youth in Reunion on this subject and to discuss the question of what we can do against EU scepticism. We heard many new and enlightening perspectives from each other! Furthermore we had the opportunity to design our own project. We made different materials to encourage people to vote in the elections on 9th of June!

In the free time it was possible to immerse ourselves in the exotic landscapes of the island, go on hikes, swim a lot in the sea and some of us even visited a hidden waterfall!

Kincső Varga

Date: 21 -28 May, 2024

Venue: Étang-Salé, Reunion Island, France

Participating countries: Reunion Island, France, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary

We are entitled to delegate 5 participants (18-30) and 1 group leaders (without age limit) for this youth exchange.

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