What does Europe mean to young people today?
Opportunities? Connection? The freedom to study, travel, cooperate and share ideas beyond borders?
These were some of the questions that brought students together on May 12th at the University of Oradea for an interactive workshop organised on the occasion of Europe Day by the Managing Authority of the Interreg Romania–Hungary Programme, together with the Joint Secretariat and the University of Oradea.
But this was not a typical event built around formal speeches or presentations. From the very beginning, students were invited to speak openly, challenge ideas, ask questions and share their perspectives on the realities and opportunities of life in the cross-border region.
Through live polls, brainstorming sessions, teamwork and project-building exercises, participants explored topics that matter to young people today, from mobility and job opportunities to digital innovation, mental health and quality of life.
The atmosphere quickly became energetic and collaborative. Ideas filled flipcharts, debates sparked around the tables, and students worked side by side to transform challenges into concrete project ideas inspired by real community needs.
One of the most engaging moments of the workshop was the simulation exercise inspired by the way European cross-border cooperation projects are evaluated. Working in teams, students created their own project concepts and presented them in front of a symbolic “Monitoring Committee”, defending their ideas, explaining their impact and answering questions about innovation, feasibility and community benefits.
At the same time, the event offered students the opportunity to better understand how European programmes work, what Interreg is, how cross-border cooperation supports communities and how initiatives developed together by Romania and Hungary can bring tangible benefits to people living on both sides of the border.
Beyond the practical exercise itself, the workshop became a space for dialogue, a place where young people could express what matters to them, exchange ideas and discover how cooperation and active involvement can help turn ideas into action.
Most importantly, the event highlighted something simple yet powerful: Europe is not only about institutions, strategies or policies. It is also about people, connections, shared ideas and communities working together beyond borders.
The event ended with discussions, feedback, networking moments and plenty of enthusiasm - proof that when young people are invited into the conversation, they bring not only fresh perspectives, but also creativity, honesty and energy.
