12. Young people – EU: which future?

Should the European Union Invest More in Young People to Strengthen EU Integration?

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Lesson focus

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The core aim of this lesson is for students to work in research groups, each exploring a different aspect of the European Union. Students research their assigned topic, create a visual poster, and present their findings to the class, focusing on how their topic connects to young people and European integration.

Objectives:

• Explore how different EU institutions and policies contribute to European integration
• Understand the role of young people in shaping the future of the EU
• Develop research, critical thinking, and information synthesis skills
• Practice structured argumentation and public speaking
• Encourage active engagement with European policies and initiatives

1. Warm-up Activity: Silent Map Discussion (10 minutes)

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• Display a map of Europe (physical or digital)
• Students silently mark:
  
  • Countries they have visited, studied in, or have personal connections with
• Short guided discussion:
  
  • How do personal experiences influence our sense of being European?
  • Does mobility help people feel more connected to the EU?

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2. Introduction to the Topic (10 minutes)

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• Introduce the central guiding question:
  How does the European Union invest in young people, and why does this matter for EU integration?
• Briefly explain the lesson structure:
  
  • Group research
  • Poster creation
  • Short presentations

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3. Group Research Phase (30 minutes)

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Step 1: Group Division (5 minutes)

• Divide students into 5 research groups
• Each group receives one Appendix Research Card with a specific topic

Step 2: Research Task (25 minutes)

• Groups research their topic using the guiding questions
• Each group collects:
  
  • Key facts and definitions
  • Examples connected to young people
  • Why this topic is important for EU integration

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4. Poster Creation (20 minutes)

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• Each group creates a poster or visual presentation (paper or digital)
• Poster should include:
  
  • Title and key concepts
  • Short explanations (bullet points)
  • One concrete example or program
  • A clear link to young people and EU integration

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5. Group Presentations (15 minutes)

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• Each group presents their poster (2–3 minutes per group)
• Audience task:
  
  • Write down one new thing learned from each presentation

6. Reflection & Wrap-up (5 minutes)

• Whole-class reflection:
  
  • Which topic felt most relevant to young people?
  • What surprised you about the EU?
  • How connected do you personally feel to the EU after this lesson?

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‍Appendix: Research Task Cards

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Research Task 1: History of the European Union
Explore how and why the European Union was created.

Guiding Questions:

• When and why was the EU founded?
• What problems was it meant to solve?
• How has the EU changed over time?
• Why is peace an important part of EU identity?
• How can understanding EU history help young people feel more connected to it?

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Research Task 2: European Parliament
Understand the role of the European Parliament.

Guiding Questions:

• What is the European Parliament?
• Who are Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)?
• How does the Parliament represent citizens?
• How can young people influence or participate in the Parliament?
• Why is democratic representation important for EU integration?

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Research Task 3: European Commission
Explore the role of the European Commission.

Guiding Questions:

• What is the European Commission responsible for?
• How does it propose and implement EU policies?
• How does the Commission support youth-related programs?
• Why is a strong executive body important for EU cooperation?

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Research Task 4: EU Youth Programs and Opportunities
Research EU programs aimed at young people.

Guiding Questions:

• What are Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps?
• Who can participate in these programs?
• What skills do young people gain through them?
• How do these programs strengthen European identity?
• Should the EU invest more in such programs? Why or why not?

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Research Task 5: Economic and Social Impact of Youth Investment

Analyze how investing in young people affects the EU’s future.

Guiding Questions:

• How does youth unemployment affect EU stability?
• What are the long-term benefits of investing in education and skills?
• Are there risks or downsides to increased youth investment?
• How does youth investment relate to economic growth and social cohesion?
• How does this connect to EU integration?