This year is the 10th anniversary of the European Parliament Ambassador Schools programme. To celebrate this the European Parliament asked Junior Ambassadors from across the EU and the UK to share ‘what Europe means to me in an image’.
We had many, many fantastic entries in the UK and deciding between them was incredibly difficult. Which is your favourite? Do you think we made the right choice?
All the entries are below, in no particular order:
The EU isn’t just a flag, it’s a promise. Standing up to oppression even when fear fills the heart, and protecting dignity when challenged. The EU for me is upholding the values of democracy, solidarity and justice even when it’s hard. Together as Europe our voices are equal and heard. This picture speaks to me, it’s a memory of oppression and despair that has been stood up to with hope and faith.
If I were a duck on one of these shelves in a dainty shop in Brussels, I would prefer to be pastel pink with a cute, superhero cape. I believe these shelves can demonstrate a fundamental part of Europe: its diversity. In Europe we have a cultural diversity not seen anywhere else. We celebrate the natural world’s beauty and celebrate the elegance of our community plus everyone in it. Everyone here is different, but we come together as a community to celebrate, help, and encourage one another.
Europe to me means a new experiences to be discovered and explored. New people to met and new things to try. Europe is a place of development and growth. To me it’s a second home, a place of love, kindness and peace.
Europe to me is like this bowl of frites I had in Belgium: thousands of people, unique with different personalities, each having the golden, delicate crispiness. To me, this represents togetherness, and diversity, something Europe is full of. The toppings you can put on frites are the different cultures and ethnicities Europe has, which all add to the blend of flavours. Just like fries, Europe is warm, unique, but strangely enough, the same on the inside.
#10yearsEPAS
Europe firstly means a lot to me as my mum is from Slovakia, and I therefore have dual-European heritage. I enjoy travelling through Europe where I have experienced many different customs, attitudes and priorities, favourite foods and even sports.
Whether it is the rugged beauty of Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean climate and fresh foods, the seafaring and rich history of Western Europe or the standard of living in the Nordics, there is enough to fascinate everyone.
Europe, a continent with a population of over 700 million people, is a land that supports diversity, having approximately 9.9% foreigners.
EU ethics involves core values like dignity, rule of law, unity and democracy, which promote freedom of speech.
I enjoy European culture because it is a mix of traditions, religions, languages, and history, deeply rooted in Romans-Catholic’s heritage.
I feel happy to be a citizen of an European country, as I am always welcomed wherever I go in the continent.
There’s no photo that could describe this continent. There’s no photo that could capture the beauty, the culture, the wonder of Europe – I certainly fail to do so. To say I succeeded would be an insult!
My photo shows light bouncing off the white and red roofed buildings, teetering on the edge of another golden sunset ready to illuminate Slovenia’s heart. Wisps of cloud dash across the sky and mountains jut from the background beneath a subtle haze.
But what does Europe mean to me? Every time I scrape upon the surface of her wonder, I become increasingly convinced that her beauty is simply inescapable. Everyone town, every city, has it’s own heritage and story; every field and mountain range and lake and forest radiates beauty no matter the season. I am yet to find a place with such a claim. For me, Europe is a treasure that never runs out. No scar from man, whether a shadow of the past from men with too much power, or our trademarked tendency to destroy, seems capable of blotting out it’s glory. It’s people seem only to grow, insistent to set examples to the world of a democratic and free society of hope and moral values. This description seems hardly long enough, yet I must conclude. Europe – you’re far from perfect – but you should be proud.
The truth is, you can’t capture Europe in one photo because it holds so many countless wonders. You see, Europe is more than a continent , it’s a statement of wonder, and I’m here to share why. Millions visit for its beauty, culture, and diversity, but in my opinion, it’s more than a place on a map. Every sunset, every gesture carries the spirit of unity and hope. So in short, what does Europe mean to me? Everything the world can’t even put into words.
Europe is very special to me because I was born there: in Ukraine. In Ukraine there is my old home (it was sadly bombed), and a part of my family, which means a lot to me. As I was born there, my home country brings a lot of childhood memories into my head. Europe is also just an amazing country, but we could make it better if there was no more war. I think the European Union is important because it helps countries work together, stay peaceful, and be stronger.
Human rights in Europe have been protected by the Human Rights Act since 1998, which assures us citizens a fair judicial process when people break the law.
Governance in Europe uses a system based around values like human rights, freedom of speech and fair democracy, which makes me confident my voice will always be heard.
This system of law being practiced in many European countries encourages me to visit knowing I would always be treated with dignity, respect, no matter who I am or my background.
To me Europe is important because it strengthens our connections with many different countries that work together. As a person who lives in the UK, Europe means learning about different cultures, languages, and food. It also reminds me about my family. We have connections with people across Europe, my Grandad lived in Italy, and we often go on holiday to his hometown, Martano and we like to visit other iconic locations throughout Italy. I took this photo when I visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
For me, Europe means diversity, unity and the freedom to express myself. With Carnaval, traditions are celebrated across Europe. They may look slightly different from country to country, but the core idea of different cultures coming together and celebrating with each other can be found everywhere. It is this feeling of openness, belonging and respect that connects Europe.
In a quiet room, one candle is shared by many hands. Different faces and flags stand side by side, passing light without asking where it began. This moment reflects the EU itself: Europe where peace plants roots between borders, freedom dances in every tongue, democracy stitches our voices together, and solidarity weaves a single story from a thousand different threads.
The European continent is our shared home; its future is not a mission of one generation but of us all. Europe is passed through hands of cooperation, not conflict. It is a dream we move towards, not a destination handed to us once and for all, a story written layer by layer and carried from hand to hand, from generation to generation. Here, curiosity meets experience, reminding us that each generation receives the world in trust, with the duty to protect it and the courage to shape its future.
Europe isn’t just a continent or a geographic label. It has always been so much more than that! Europe is the blazing light in the unforgiving darkness, in a time ruled by political uncertainty and insecurity. It is the freedom of jumping into democracy with joy and confidence – united and holding hands, forever supporting each other through the hurdles to come. Europe is a path, set by a timeless and devoted community, through democracy and peace, led by a globally recognized blue, our shared symbol for everything Europe has ever been and will grow to be!
What does Europe mean to me?
Travel, mainly.
This is the view from “Monte de Santa Lucia” during my trip to Portugal where the only reason I knew I was in Portugal was, a sign, and the time changing on my phone. No borders, no surveillance, nothing.
This freedom of movement really is special.
Also, education.
The fact that I can just go study in Europe just because I’m French is fantastic. There are now so many options and ,since France’s education is free, no massive loan to pay after, no pressure to take up a job.
Complete peace of mind.
What is Europe to me?, shows me and my best friend walking together through Heathrow Airport London), underneath the departures board. Instead of looking up at all the places we could go, we are looking forward to holding hands with anticipation and excitement. That choice was intentional, as for me Europe isn’t just about travel or locations or countries, it’s about the people you share those experiences with. We are wearing T-shirts that I designed, with two arms reaching out to form a hug. A hug is simple, but it means connection, comfort, and friendship. It’s something everyone understands, no matter where they’re from. Before taking the photo, I asked people to write their own views and opinions of Europe on the shirts. I liked the idea that the artwork could grow and change as more people added their voices, because Europe itself is shaped by many different people and perspectives. I chose Heathrow Airport because airports feel full of possibility. When you stand under a departures board, it feels like anything could happen. There are thousands of places you could go, and each one represents a different future. To me, that reflects Europe as a place of opportunity and freedom. In an airport, the only way you can go is up!
To me, this church in Riga’s old town embodies Europe’s resilience and community. It has stood the test of time since the 13th century despite the destruction it has faced. During and after its construction it was interrupted by citywide fires, plague, and wars. And yet the sanctuary still remains, having been refinished into its original form: with its Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque designs in its sections. Built by the collaborative effort of workers, from the foundations of their previous generation. Maintaining its history and identity.
The way way we say hello may differ:
”Bonjour”, ”Hola”, ”Pryvit”.
And our stories differ too, woven on life’s loom.
For me, it’s where family roots meet the colours
of other cultures.
For YOU, it’s a place where opportunities bloom.
But for US, it cradles the seeds of our futures.
That’s what builds our community, strong with
peaceful unity.
From storms WE have immunity.
No matter where you’re from, here, you belong
In EUROPE.
Our photo, “Made in the EU,” reimagines the European Union’s core values as products (all of which are ‘made in the EU’) in a child’s toy catalogue. Multiple children circle the values, symbolising unity, inclusion, & collective responsibility, in tandem with representing the future generation of Europe. The price tags highlight how these values are accessible to all, & are actively protected and upheld by the European Union today as fundamental human rights.
This Picture for me shows the togetherness of faith in Europe by coming together to represent both power with picturesque architecture but also their love combined for one thing which is their love for Christ through the character of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
Being from Europe is more than background; it is about shared values.
This image shows what Europe means to me: twelve friends representing people and community over land. Each person reflects unity and diversity, and the circle symbolises solidarity and peace.
Taken at school, it highlights free education as empowerment. For me, this is a living image of EU as community, respect, friendship and hope shaping a shared future.
This abstract image of Parliament and the River Thames represents Europe.
Each pixel represents a brick in time that builds up what Parliament is today. It embodies debate and law echoed across Europe, while the Thames flows, symbolising liberty. The lights reflect abstract values—democracy, rule of law, solidarity—made visible and concrete through institutions.
Their reflections on the river reflect Europe as imperfect yet enduring, unified, free and constantly evolving.
Europe is a diverse continent, in the same way European basketball is a diverse sport.
To me, Europe represents expressionism, unity, and diversity, Basketball represents these same factors, as it requires the chemistry of different playing styles, paired with the love and fight of the game, and to me that screams diversity, unity and expressionism.
Each player represents their own nation, and when these nations work together, the team is connected, like how connected and diverse Europe is!
Europe to me is identity without walls: a shared culture woven from many languages, memories, and histories. It is free nations choosing cooperation, and the freedom to move, learn, love, and work across borders. Europe stands for ethical respect of national heritage, where every story matters and even the smallest nations, like Cyprus, are valued and protected. It is the celebration of unity among peoples—different, proud, and stronger together. A continent where diversity is not a weakness, but a promise.
When I think about what Europe means to me, I do not first think of borders, flags, or institutions. Instead, I think of moments like the one shown in this photograph: people sitting together at a long table, sharing food, conversation, and time. For me, Europe is found in these everyday moments that feel warm and deeply human.
The photograph shows my family gathering outdoors, with different generations sharing the same space and the same meal. This feels very European to me. Across the continent, family meals are important traditions. They are not rushed and are about more than eating. Food becomes a way of showing care, sharing memories, and staying connected.
Europe is often described as diverse, and this image reflects that idea. People of different ages and roles are all included, and everyone belongs. This reminds me of how Europe brings together many cultures and histories while still allowing people to be different. What matters most is the shared experience.
The outdoor setting also feels meaningful. Being outside and close to nature is something I strongly associate with Europe. Whether in the countryside or a garden, nature is often part of everyday life and helps people feel connected to where they come from.
Finally, the image represents a slower pace of life. People take their time to be together. In a fast-moving world, this feels important to me. Europe, in the end, is not just a place on a map, but a way of living that values connection, togetherness, and simple shared moments.
Featuring the Jaques Delors building, housing the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels’ European Quarter, the architecture of this image captures what Europe means to me: a future- focused mentality which bridges with historic legacy; unity and integration of culture and heritage in a Europe where our differences become strengths that will shape upcoming years. The featured arch stands as an ancient bridge, linking centuries of history with the the promise of a modernised tomorrow.
What is Europe? The readiness to face the adverse weather changes. That is the way a little lad gazes at his future. He sees the teenager and the mature man. He sees the decisions he must make.
The EU means respect, unity and togetherness. Despite our differences, we all share fundamental aspects of life, living on the same planet, under the same sky, stars and sun. This is the basis of our unity and mutual respect and understanding within the EU.
Europe is a living dialogue between past and present. Its strength lies in the way ancient traditions intertwine with modern life, shaping societies grounded in heritage yet confidently moving forward. From this connection grows a shared identity—one people can recognise, celebrate, and feel proud of.
At a time when division and hostility run rampant across European nations, tearing at the fabric of our societies, it is more important than ever to pause and remind ourselves of the timeless, shared values that still unite us all. No matter where we were born, what language we speak, or who we have become, every single one of us, rich or poor, young or old, gazes up in wonder at the very same night sky. Beneath those countless stars lies our shared humanity.
Mărțişor is traditionally a symbol of spring in Moldova and Romania but for me it is defined beyond culture and tradition. It also exhibits the diversity of the EU, comprising different ethnicities, religions and languages, so a place where tolerance and inclusion are creating a common ground for economic growth, stability and equality. We cooperate with each other despite cultural differences, hence Mărțişor may be seen as a symbol of unity and solidarity, surpassing its literal meaning.
It basically means history and landscapes. It’s all woven together into one thing.
Europe means everything to me. It is the richest continent on Earth. The map I made represents a peaceful and democratic map with details like a new ‘Democratic Federation of Russia’ and the remake of the ‘National Republic of Belarus’. Russia & Ukraine are not in war, Greenland stays part of the European Union, The UK is depicted as a sovereign nation in this image, Georgia regains post-2008 territories and so on. All of these changes represent a democratic Europe and no dictatorial ideologies.
EPAS Team Comment
There were so many fantastic entries it was incredibly difficult to select one to represent the UK. Thank you and well done to all those who entered!
In the end, the image and accompanying text of this post showed a creativity, dynamism and hopefulness that we could not resist.
Our selection is:
Europe isn’t just a continent or a geographic label. It has always been so much more than that! Europe is the blazing light in the unforgiving darkness, in a time ruled by political uncertainty and insecurity. It is the freedom of jumping into democracy with joy and confidence – united and holding hands, forever supporting each other through the hurdles to come. Europe is a path, set by a timeless and devoted community, through democracy and peace, led by a globally recognized blue, our shared symbol for everything Europe has ever been and will grow to be!