From the 28th to the 29th of April, the KEHSIA team participated in the international training “EU Youth Dialogue in Practice”, held as part of the project “curiEUs Youth – Cabinets of Curiosities” in Warsaw.
During this workshop, we had the opportunity to learn more about the EU Youth Dialogue and how it works. After an initial introduction to the topic and a brief presentation on how the Youth Dialogue functions across Europe, we took part in an activity to explore the subject more deeply. Divided into groups, we worked together with the other participants to put the EU Youth Dialogue into practice. Each group focused on a specific topic related to youth and Europe, and through three different stages, we identified problems, discussed possible solutions, and proposed actions to address them. After engaging in discussions and debates with our peers, we prepared speeches to present our ideas to the other groups, allowing the best proposals to be voted on. This activity was a great example of how our ideas can become meaningful and influential in Europe when we find the right way to share them.
Later in the afternoon, we visited the National Museum of Warsaw for a guided tour. A central pillar of the week was exploring how artistic heritage influences our modern political and social structures. This was best exemplified during a visit to the National Museum in Warsaw. Walking through its galleries wasn’t just an exercise in art appreciation; it was a dive into how visual narratives shape our collective memory. By analyzing historical works, we reflected on the evolution of European identity—recognizing that the “shared history” of the EU is not just a collection of treaties, but a tapestry of cultural movements that have crossed borders for centuries.
The following day was organized differently. In the morning, we had the opportunity to step into the role of people working within the European Commission thanks to an activity proposed by Europa Experience. During this role-playing activity, we took on the role of Members of the European Parliament and experienced European Union lawmaking in action by negotiating new EU legislation. Divided into imaginary political groups, we were challenged to build alliances, negotiate, and listen to different perspectives in order to reach a consensus. Participants debated fictional laws, learning how legislation is adopted and how it affects the lives of people across the EU.
This was a great experience that helped us better understand how Europe works and how our ideas and actions can play an important role within this system.
The insights gained in Warsaw—from the intricacies of international diplomacy to the power of a shared cultural heritage—are more than just memories. They are practical tools and fresh perspectives that we are now bringing back to our home communities. This experience reinforces a vital truth: European cooperation is most effective when it is felt at the grassroots level, driven by the energy and curiosity of its youth.