My name is Alexandros and I am studying Mathematics at the University of Athens. I have always been interested in politics and economics and I spend most of my free time reading books and articles about international relations, political economics and history. For me, current developments and events are history in the making and journalism is the most efficient way of recording it.

Updated on Tuesday, 07/10/2025

First glance of Edvard Eriksen’s mermaids home looked incredible. Architecturally sophisticated brick buildings with huge windows, with golden lights decorated balconies and the smell of rain gave the city an impression of simplicity and purity. Everywhere I looked, someone was riding a bike, without a helmet. At first, I thought it was a bit strange to have such enthusiasm for bikes. Everything worked, the subway was punctual to the second, so much that when I tried to jump on the subway at the last moment I got caught between the doors and the doors didn't open back! Thank God I still have my left arm. Joke aside, the place was beautiful, tidy, spacious and no one was too laud, even at night it was pure silence. I was impressed by the building run by the students themselves - they organize the food menus themselves and decide who will cook for one day and what will they cook, they organize events and everything works! If visiting this interesting student house did not give me a boost and ideas about what can be done for young people, I don't know what will, because it really got me thinking. Youth centres also have so much creative space where everyone can express themselves in their own way. The space is technologically equipped, and almost every youth centre has a room to record a podcast. It's crazy! I'm grateful that I was able to go there and experience all this because of what they do there with youth and for young people is truly amazing. There was an incredible connection between people, and I didn't see a selfish approach anywhere. People call each other by first names, everyone is just Lars or Ula. They work to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity and push each other to achieve that goal. Dear reader if at this point you are wondering if this is something for you, believe me the answer is yes, because you have nothing to lose, much to gain!

Updated on Thursday, 13/02/2025

I'm Lisa from Malta, and I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer in Nykarleby, Finland, for five months with their local council. I mainly worked at a kindergarten, ran workshops on multiculturalism and solidarity, and helped with a summer camp. 

But beyond these tasks, the experience taught me so much more—like how to be independent and push myself out of my comfort zone. I believe the workshops really helped kids understand and appreciate the different cultures in their community.

I highly recommend the European Solidarity Corps to anyone who can do it. It’s an experience that helps you grow, make new friends, and connect with Europe on a deeper level.

Updated on Thursday, 13/02/2025

My Solidarity Corps volunteering experience was an eye-opening and rewarding journey. As a local volunteer in Malta, I had the privilege of connecting deeply with children and senior citizens from all kinds of backgrounds through forms of arts, dance, singing, meditation, and yoga. 

Being part of their daily lives not only strengthened my bond with the community but also broadened my perspective on the diverse realities within my own country. This experience has left a lasting impact on me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and to grow individually.

Updated on Thursday, 13/02/2025

Scouts CARE is a project organised by the youths of Marsa Scouts Group, in which we focused on the very important topic of waste management. This went beyond recycling and littering and through collaborations with ENGOs, including 7R Lifestyle and also Żibel. We organised cleanup campaigns, we handed out freebies including reusable bottles, cutlery, as well as bags and we also created a media campaign and a very tailor made waste management policy for our group and for the Scouts in general. 

So in short, what this project sought to do was to create awareness on the importance of waste management, to teach our own scout group and other scout groups on the waste management lifecycle - not just teach on the theory aspect, but also in practice. So practice included cleanup campaigns, and also how to do it, how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste at home and also outside. 

My word of advice to all groups out there seeking to embark on these projects is to not be overwhelmed with the application process. I know that there are forms and questions and the management aspect involved, but these are tailor made for groups like ours who are not for profit as well as youths who would like to embark on a very elaborate project or even a very simple one. 

These kinds of projects help both on a personal level to all involved, and also on a group level, so it’s definitely a very good opportunity for NGOs to do good and be funded for doing so.  

Updated on Tuesday, 11/02/2025

The aim of this project was to create a Christmas play and through that play attract young people and encourage them to join the youth center we have in Birgu. They would have the chance to take part in the play and show their skills. Not only this activity really attracted young people as little by little it started to reunite the community of Birgu. 

To do projects like this you need financial support. Our project happened right after Covid, when getting funding for such projects became more difficult. My message is that EU funds can there for everyone with a meaningful project. Therefore, I encourage young people like us to apply and make use of these funds so they can carry out projects in favor of the communities where they live.

Updated on Thursday, 13/02/2025

On a Sunday like many others, in late October last year, I set off for Linz, Austria, to begin my European Solidarity Corps volunteer project. It feels like yesterday, yet a whole year has passed.

During the 9-hour train ride, admiring the landscapes of northern Italy and Austria, I had no idea how much this experience would change me for the better. After two years of university with good results, I realized that what I was studying wasn’t my path. In search of direction, I discovered the European Solidarity Corps and quickly fell in love with the idea. After several applications across Europe, I joined a project in Linz with Caritas Oberösterreich, thanks to Susanne Rosmann from 4YOUgend Linz. Originally set to last until July 2024, my project was extended until October, making it a full year.

I worked in a team supporting young people with moderate disabilities, helping them integrate into the labor market through hands-on learning at Trumpf Maschinen GmbH. The professionalism of Caritas ensured a well-structured, inclusive, and positive environment. I built great relationships with my colleagues, who were always supportive despite my limited German, and with the clients, with whom I shared jokes, games, and conversations.

ESC wasn’t just about work—it was also about cultural exchange and friendships. Through my project and volunteer events across Austria, I met people from all over the world, each leaving me with something valuable (including a few international swear words, ahah).

It’s an experience I would repeat a hundred, a thousand, a million times—one I will proudly share with my future children and grandchildren. My journey isn’t over, but I now have a clearer vision of my path. One day, looking back, I know I’ll feel nostalgic yet deeply grateful.

Updated on Monday, 10/02/2025

After the pandemic lockdown when the world reopened, I felt like I must take advantage of the opportunity to see the world. I studied my senior year of high school at a boarding school in middle of rural Pennsylvania in the United States. It was challenging for my language skills to keep up at first, but I did not give up! I jump straight into it - for example I joined the orchestra and played for the first time with other musicians communicating in English while completely lacking the needed vocabulary. Nonetheless, in the end the most important things are the friendships I made with other students. These people made this year tangible, because if it was not for them (and the photos) I would not have believed it happened and it was not just a dream.

Updated on Tuesday, 07/10/2025

When I first learned about DiscoverEU during a Eurodesk lecture, I saw it as an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for travel with the chance to experience the diverse cultures of Europe. The competition seemed like the perfect way to broaden my horizons, meet new people, and, most importantly, step out of my comfort zone.

I embarked on a 21-day adventure, traveling through six countries: Ireland, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and even the Vatican. What started as a solo trip quickly became a shared experience when I connected with Merlinda, a fellow traveler from the Netherlands, through a DiscoverEU Facebook group. We decided to explore the world together, starting in Dublin for a DiscoverEU Meetup, and our journey continued as we explored vibrant cities like Rome, Milan, and Paris, before concluding our trip in the scenic Dutch cities. The experience not only allowed me to travel to my dream destinations but also taught me the value of connecting with others, and we’ve remained friends ever since.

My advice to anyone considering DiscoverEU is to not be afraid of the unknown. The fears I had about finances, accommodations, and planning were quickly put to rest, and I encourage future travelers to reach out to former participants or project ambassadors for advice. They are always happy to help!

Updated on Monday, 10/02/2025

I came across DiscoverEU on Instagram while exploring self-development pages and opportunities for active youth. As someone passionate about travel and eager to gain new experiences, I applied, even though I doubted my chances. Winning was life-changing—it enabled me to travel across 11 European countries over 28 days, combining solo adventures with shared moments alongside friends and fellow travelers I met along the way. The journey taught me invaluable lessons in independence, from planning transportation and accommodation to navigating cultural differences and unexpected challenges. Along the way, I built a network of inspiring connections, immersed myself in new environments, and discovered the joy of stepping outside my comfort zone. From exploring vibrant cities like Dublin and Amsterdam to soaking in the charm of smaller towns, each destination left me with unforgettable memories. My advice to future DiscoverEU participants? Embrace spontaneity, connect with locals, and don't hesitate to ask for help—some of the best experiences come from the unexpected.

Updated on Tuesday, 29/07/2025