THE FUTURE OF EUROPE IS IN YOUR HANDS!
How can young people shape the future of Europe? Europe Day (9 May) reminds us of what we can achieve when we work together. This year, rather than looking back, we will look forward with the Conference on the Future of Europe . With this in mind, the European Parliament has compiled a selection of free online activities sure to spark new life in the classroom, whether physical or virtual. We organise talks adaptable to the interests of any group and youth seminars to spur active debate about important current issues. Teachers can take advantage of the quizzes and role play games organised on the Europe@school tool and exclusive talks provided by the House of European History. Read below for more on how students and young people can participate in building the Europe of tomorrow.
NEWS
Online EP Talks – Discover the European Parliament online
You can now connect from anywhere to discover the powers and role of the European Parliament and have your questions answered by our staff. Learn about the structure of the European Institutions, the history of the European Union and how it impacts your daily life with an online EP talk. Available in 24 languages, we adapt our talks to cater to the needs and interests of any group. Find out how students can be part of the Conference on the Future of Europe and book an EP Talk here.
Online European Youth Seminars
European Youth Seminars are now available online for youth groups, schools and universities. Students will learn about the powers and role of the European Parliament and will then be able to debate with fellow students from across Europe and come up with concrete solutions to common problems. They will even have the opportunity to present their best ideas to a Member of the European Parliament! Request an online European Youth Seminar!
Euroscola goes online
In 2020, the European Parliament’s flagship event for schools went online for the first time. The last Euroscola online session, on 16 April, connected over 3000 high-school students from 24 countries across Europe. During the event, students had the chance to ask questions to one of the Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament, debate together and vote on how the EU can protect its digital future. Missed the event? All is not lost! Students can share their ideas on the Youth Ideas platform or rewatch the sessions online. Contact your local European Parliament Liaison Office to find out how schools can participate in one of the next sessions.
Online learning offer from the European Parliament
The European Parliament has developed learning resources to help bring the EU into the classroom. The educational tool Europe@school provides active lessons with seven independent modules and a teacher guide, where students can learn about the EU, its Member States, history, values and impact on our daily lives. It also includes a module on media literacy and disinformation. The material implements the idea of ‘learning by playing’, with quizzes, role-play games and exercises. It is the ideal tool for students from secondary and vocational schools, and it is available in 24 languages.
Europa Experiences
The Europa Experience centres also offer online activities for schools. In Ljubljana, students can participate in an interactive quiz or virtually meet with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In Tallinn, the “Back to School” initiative connects students with professionals and MEPs while school groups can also go on a virtual visit to the exhibition. Meanwhile in Copenhagen citizens can explore an interactive exhibition and learn more about the current EU agenda. Curious about the Europa Experience project? Check out our new video and visit the Europa Experiences website.
EVENTS
03 – 09 May
Europe Day
Europe Day commemorates the anniversary of 9 May 1950, when French Foreign Minister and future European Parliament President Robert Schuman laid the foundations of what is now the European Union. Rather than looking back, this year we will look forward with the Conference on the Future of Europe—an opportunity for citizens to contribute their ideas and connect directly with representatives on a European level. Starting on 3 May, celebrate Europe Day with a-week long programme of online events and interactive debates. Join us and write Europe’s future!
6 May, 17.00–18.30
How to teach media literacy in the classroom
This session presented by the House of European History will provide teachers with ready-to-use exercises to successfully teach Media Literacy to students aged 12 to 18. They will be invited to play an interactive quiz and ‘Explore, Practice & Reflect’ on disinformation. This session aims to raise awareness about how facts and emotions can be blended to influence our worldviews, both in the past and today. Register here.
Languages: Dutch, English, French
17 May, 17.00–18.00
The House of European History, a place for learning
Looking for new tools to teach students about Europe? If yes, then this session organised by the House of European History is for you. There will be a special focus on resources for students aged 12 to 18, and how to use them to teach Communication, Human Rights, Conflict, Identity and Migration. Register here.
Languages: Dutch, English, French
FLASH INFO
Conference on the Future of Europe: How can we best face future challenges in Europe? What do students have to say? Join one of the events organised across the EU and debate with Members of the European Parliament and fellow citizens. Share your thoughts on the online platform. Your voice and your opinion is needed to move Europe into a brighter future!
Together.eu is a pan-European community that encourages young people to participate in democracy. By joining up, students have the chance to participate in debates and trainings, and also to organise initiatives themselves. Encourage them to be part of this exciting adventure. Empower them to join the conversation for a better European future. Check it out!
Discover the Parlement des Lycéens: the European Pupils’ Parliament will bring high school students together virtually to encourage them to think about the future of the European Union, debate international issues and propose solutions to common challenges.
WHAT’S NEW AT OTHER EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS
Meet the European Commission online
University students and school pupils (+15 years), or anyone wishing to learn more about the role of the European Commission, can visit the Commission ‘virtually’ for an online presentation by Commission staff. Groups can also request a presentation on a specific theme of interest to them. Request a Virtual Visit.
Get to know the Committee of the Regions online
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the voice for one million local and regional politicians to represent their interest in the European Union. The CoR organises virtual tours for schools and universities through the online meeting platform WEBEX. Presentations, lasting around one hour, are usually given by CoR staff. To find out more, visit the website and watch this short video.
Explore the European Council virtually
The European Council offers information sessions via videoconference in any EU language, tailored to the needs and expectations of young people! Take this opportunity to discuss the work of the European Council and the Council of the European Union with an expert and book your information session here.
European Economic and Social Committee – Your Europe Your Say
Every year, the EESC organises its youth plenary Your Europe, Your Say! This year’s topic was climate change and 234 students and 56 teachers from 28 countries spread over Europe took part in the debates. For the first time, the fully virtual YEYS 2021 youth plenary took place over a period of three days, including a ‘side event’ ‘Designing Systemic Change’ live on social media. In case you missed it, you can watch the recordings of the events again here. Stay tuned for YEYS22!