“Let’s talk about the EU“ debate, held yesterday at the Public Library in Sabac within the project EUteka – the EU at your library, gathered more than 70 pupils of the Sabac High School, Economics and Medical high schools.

Another get-together gave us a chance to hear what high school pupils, future voters, think about Serbia’s EU accession process and what are their sources of information on the matter.

Naim Leo Besiri, a member of Team Europe, was the key discussion partner of youngsters from Sabac. He, through a vibrant and open conversation, brought them closer to the nitty-gritty of the European Union and the way it works, supplying them with graphic examples, often times taken from his personal experience. As previous debates have shown, young people find this form of discussion, the one that allows them see the benefits of EU membership – travel, studying, employment opportunities – for themselves, interesting and handy. Asking additional questions and taking EU-related publications with them, proved that these opportunities had aroused great interest among them.

Naim Leo Besiri reminded that the EU has donated over EUR3 billion to Serbia in the past 18 years and, to illustrate his point, pointed to the building of the Economics High School, which had been refurbished thanks to the EU.

Investments in infrastructure, energy, roads or ecological facilities, are the clearest and most visible examples of EU assistance recognised by young people. Along with a more comprehensive awareness raising, they are constantly being brought closer to the idea of being able to take part in Erasmus+ or any other programme; to study and work in EU countries. On the other hand, there are myths regarding the EU and Serbia’s position that are yet to be debunked, fear from losing their national identity, doubts raised by Brexit; all of these concerns were easily noticeable during the discussion. Therefore, the debate served as an opportunity to talk about those myths and offer information that will help young people to see their EU-related dilemmas from another perspective.

The discussion also briefed youngsters from Sabac about the on-going Europa Diary contest – launched within the project “Experience the European Union.“ Jovana Bozickovic, a member of the project team, informed the attendants about the rules of the contest and invited them to come up with a topic and apply, either individually or in groups, pointing to tempting prizes. The topic of this year’s Europa Diary contest is “Where the past meets the future – European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018”. It is open to individuals and three-member teams. Submitted items can belong to one of the following categories: literary essays, paintings/drawings, journalism, photography, video and multimedia works.

The Public Library in Sabac is one of 48 libraries that form the EUteka network.