On Europe Day, 50 high school students from schools in the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme gathered in Paris to celebrate the founding values of the European Union: peace, solidarity, and democracy.
The day began at Europa Experience with a presentation by Stand With Ukraine on European citizenship, the stakes of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and Ukraine’s central role within the European project. The discussion also addressed the dangers of disinformation in the context of hybrid warfare—fought both on the battlefield and online—where information itself becomes a strategic weapon.
Stand With Ukraine guided students through the key events of the Maidan uprising, emphasizing that it was a youth-led movement which, as early as 2013, powerfully expressed a desire to align with core European values: freedom, the rule of law, and democracy. This civic revolution marked a historic turning point, soon followed by Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in the Donbas. Understanding these events is essential to grasp the current stakes of the Russian war of aggression and to strengthen young people’s European awareness in the face of threats to democracy.
Students then had the opportunity to exchange with Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Isabelle Coustet, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in France. This dialogue focused on the future of Europe, civic engagement, and the essential role of youth in defending democratic values.
The group then continued to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the Quai d’Orsay to mark the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, before closing the day with a moving participation in the rekindling of the eternal flame under the Arc de Triomphe.
Just one day after the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism, and at a time when Europe faces new challenges, this day embodied the strength of youth engagement for European values.
A heartfelt thank you to all participating schools, their teachers, and the European Parliament in France for their commitment, warm welcome, and the depth of the conversations shared throughout the day.
