In October, a group of Bulgarian youth participated in the first international mobility under the project “Is My History Useful?”, implemented within the Erasmus+ Youth Participation Activities program. The project brings together young people from Bulgaria, France, Germany, Spain, and Lithuania to explore the connection between European history, contemporary challenges, and the role of young people in democratic processes.

The initiative encourages critical thinking, exchange of ideas, and active dialogue between participants from different countries. The first mobility took place in Strasbourg – a city with strong European symbolism and home to key EU institutions.

Visit to the European Parliament

A main highlight of the program was the visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, which allowed the participants to get up close and personal with the work of one of the most influential European institutions. In addition to a tour of the building and meetings with representatives, the group also attended part of a plenary session dedicated to the Preparation of the European Council meeting on 23 October 2025.

This “first-hand” observation helped the young people understand how key topics on the European agenda are discussed and the dynamics between the different political groups during a real debate.

The visit also included meetings with several representatives of the European Parliament.

The participants spoke with Éric Sargiacomo, Laurence Farreng, and Genia Razumkova, assistant to Sabine Verheyen. Each of them presented different aspects of the Parliament’s work, ​​from agricultural policy and culture to the organizational processes behind meeting preparations.

The visit provided a concrete, practical context for the topics covered in the project and allowed participants to understand better how the institutions work “behind the scenes”.

Digital security and interactive learning

During their visit to the EP, the young people visited the #All4Cyber ​​exhibition dedicated to digital security. Through interactive games and quizzes, participants learned more about fake news, privacy, password management, and the risks associated with online content. The topics were presented practically, suitable for young people who actively use digital platforms.

The program also included workshops on scenarios for the future of the European Union. In international teams, participants discussed what Europe could look like in 20 years and the values leading the development of the community.

Cultural exchange and getting to know Strasbourg

In addition to the training activities, the program also included time for cultural exploration of the city. Participants visited the La Petite France district, famous for its canals and ancient facades, as well as the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

The evening cultural programs, prepared by the different national groups, provided an opportunity for informal exchange, presentation of traditions, and creation of friendships in an international environment.

Results and next steps

On the last day of the mobility, participants worked on their first proposals, which will be further developed and presented to local and European stakeholders in 2026. The next phase of the project will take place in Germany, focusing on conflict resolution methods, debate simulations, and finalizing the common set of recommendations.

The mobility in Strasbourg provided valuable knowledge, practical experience, and new perspectives on the work of the European institutions. For the participants, it was an opportunity to understand Europe not only as a political structure but also as a community of people, ideas, and shared efforts for development.

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