European Integration in Action: Highlights from the EU Journeys Event
On September 24, 2025, the Unico Hotel in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, welcomed more than 50 participants to EU Journeys: Uniting Stories of European Integration, an event organized by EProjectConsult within the project EU Journeys: Uniting Stories of European Integration funded by the EU CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme. The evening celebrated the ideas of European integration and European citizenship, bringing together students, educators, civil society representatives, and local stakeholders for a night of stories, reflection, and exchange.
Exploring Europe Through Film
The program opened with the screening of original video interviews produced by project partners from Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Estonia, and Italy. These short films presented real voices and experiences, revealing how people across Europe perceive the Union’s history, current challenges, and shared future. The screenings set the tone for a conversation about what Europe means to its citizens today.
A Conversation About Peace, Mobility, and Sustainability
After the films, a dynamic panel discussion invited speakers and audience members to reflect on the role of Europe in shaping the next generation. The conversation highlighted how crucial it is to educate young people about peace, especially in a time when global tensions require a renewed commitment to dialogue and mutual understanding.
Panelists also shared their views on Erasmus+, describing it as one of the most tangible symbols of the European Union and explaining how study and training experiences abroad foster personal growth, intercultural skills, and professional development. The debate then shifted to the Green Deal, exploring how the EU’s ambitious ecological transition relies not only on institutional action but also on the everyday choices of its citizens, from sustainable energy use to responsible consumption.
Europe in One Word: Integration
To capture the spirit of the evening, participants took part in a live Mentimeter survey, responding to the prompt “What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of Europe?”.
The most frequent answer was integration, a powerful reflection of the shared values and collective identity that continue to inspire the European project.
Networking Over a European Aperitif
The event concluded with a networking aperitif offered by EProjectConsult, giving attendees the chance to continue conversations sparked during the debate and to build new connections in an informal, friendly atmosphere.
