70 years after the Schuman Declaration it is as important as never before to deal with the fundamental ideas and values of Europe, to emphasise the importance of Europe and to avoid an attitude that takes an intact European Union for granted. As this quotation by Schuman suggests: “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten
it.“
Not everything should be taken for granted nor should one believe that it is obvious that reality will remain unchanged. They can promote critical awareness of the European Union and a sense of belonging to it. Accordingly, it is interesting to analyse the following questions. How deeply is the idea of Europe/European Union ingrained in our students' minds? At school this topic is partly subject to debate, but to what extent is a European awareness being strengthened? What ideas/values can we convey to them for their future? To what extent do they consider themselves to be Europeans? Do not schools and international projects have the aim or even the obligation to sensitize the students for Europe? To show them an image of Europe, which, despite its flaws and imperfections, is of a fundamental importance for our continent? It is in this spirit that we would like to raise awareness of the diverse cultures/values/identities as parts of European values, way of life, social interaction, traditions. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen a European identity and counteract Euroscepticism. In other words, we want to help the students, in ways that inspire, to gain substantial knowledge and understanding of the European Union: its history; its fundamental values and aims; its actions and policies; the functioning of its institutions and its decision- making processes. The selection of the partners consists of countries that entered the European Union at different moments in time. Thus, six secondary schools from Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, Austria and Slovakia developed the idea for the project in order to preserve and strenghten the pupils' sense of Europe and provide them with the required information baggage, the knowledge and experience needed to be “good“ European citizens in schools embedded in a strategic partnership. The concept is meant to encourage the students to reflect critically on Europe’s past, present and future, as well as to weigh up the benefits and challenges of the European Union. Moreover, the project will enhance the pupils’ motivation to participate in the democratic processes that will shape the future of the European Union and their attachment to its fundamental values.