Back to school

Last week I made a short visit to Budapest, my hometown, taking part in the programme of the European Commission called "Back to school". Before you ask: it is not the Commission (or the EU as a whole) who go "back to school". In this programme we, EU officials visit our ancient high school (where we had studied) to speak about our personal experience of working for the EU. This is also an excellent occasion for presenting our own vision on how the EU will influence the life of future generations.

Remembering old times and the "your past-my future" equation cast nostalgic glitter on ex-student appearances. Some inevitably become genuinely human get-togethers which make a lasting impression. Therefore the "Back to school" programme is a valuable tool to bring the EU closer to our young citizens.

During our lively discussion in Budapest, a large group of Hungarian students have agreed that the European Union made our continent (and the world) a much better place. It is clear that most students are enthusiastic supporters of freedom and solidarity. They agree with all the main "historical" objectives of the European project. Many of them also understand that a united Europe will have better chance to prevail in the age of globalisation.

Nevertheless, this is not the main notion I take back from Budapest. What will reverberate more than anything else is that in the eyes of young people the "classic" achievements of the EU are becoming old (and fading) laurels. The issue that really matters is what the EU can do in and for the future. Moreover, students have many doubts and (quite rightly) ask a lot of questions, induced by news about the economic crisis and difficulties in the EU cooperation. During our discussion I had no problems admitting that there were no clear answers to many of these queries. I told the students that some of the answers would have to be given by them and asked them to formulate suggestions. It was good to see that in those proposals the EU was an essential component of the solution.