The feedback written by Francesco Pretini and Lorenzo Badiani offers a sincere and insightful look into what the EUdemos project truly represents for the students who take part in it. Behind their clear and heartfelt words lies an experience that goes far beyond a traditional school activity: EUdemos becomes a space where young Europeans encounter institutions, cultures, and—above all—themselves.
From the start, Lorenzo and Francesco describe EUdemos not simply as a project, but as an opening to the world. Their discovery is gradual and deeply personal: through travel, encounters, and dialogue, they begin to understand the real meaning of European citizenship. What they experienced is precisely what the project aims to spark—curiosity, awareness, and a sense of belonging to a shared democratic space.
One of the most meaningful elements in their account is the challenge—and opportunity—of communicating in English. For many students, speaking a foreign language can feel intimidating; yet for Francesco and Lorenzo, this unfamiliar terrain became a transformative tool. They overcame hesitation, they built confidence, and they learned that language is not a barrier but a bridge—a bridge toward other cultures, other perspectives, and a wider European community.
Their visit to Brussels, as they narrate it, captures beautifully the emotional impact of stepping inside the institutions that shape everyday life in Europe. Walking through the corridors of the EU’s decision-making bodies allowed them to grasp the significance of values like democracy, solidarity, and cooperation—values that are sometimes abstract in textbooks but become tangible when experienced directly. They realised that Europe is not an external political entity: it is a living project, and young people are an essential part of its construction.
What makes their reflection so powerful is the awareness that EUdemos shaped them not just academically, but personally. They speak of linguistic and cultural enrichment, but also of courage, connection, and growth. The project gave them the chance to feel part of something bigger, to overcome fears, and to imagine themselves as active citizens of a united continent.
Francesco and Lorenzo’s essay shows exactly why EUdemos matters. Because in the end, the project does not simply teach how Europe works—it helps young people discover their place within it.
Lorenzo-y-Francesco-Article-EUdemos su learning europe living europe su EUDEMOS
