4,680 young voices for Europe: creative, critical, committed
How do young people see Europe? What do democracy, sustainability and 30 years of EU membership mean to them? These were the questions addressed by 4,680 pupils from 113 schools across Austria during the 2024/25 school year as part of the projekteuropa creative competition. The competition's motto was ‘Star moments – Europe creatively’. The young people combined creativity with political awareness and social engagement. Titles such as ‘Europe dances’, ‘The euro – more than just a currency’, ‘Beats for Europe – rocking Europe sustainably’ and ‘The art of democracy’ show the range of approaches young people take to the topics of Europe, coexistence and sustainability. Their creative works illustrate how important peaceful and solidarity-based coexistence is for a vibrant society. The jury, made up of experts from the fields of education, political education, art and culture, selected 70 classes to receive prizes.
The projekteuropa creative competition, organised by the OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, invited all schools in Austria to develop visions for a democratic and sustainable Europe. The competition sought artistic reflections on social challenges and the role of Europe – especially against the backdrop of the 30th anniversary of Austria's EU membership.
The jury was impressed by the submissions: "The creative diversity of the submissions on the theme of “star moments” impressively demonstrates how committed, creative and sensitive pupils of all ages are in dealing with democracy, sustainability and questions about the future. They combine complex topics with personal biographies and a wide variety of artistic media and forms of expression. Cultural and inclusive exchange strengthens co-determination, consensus-building and cohesion and anchors democratic values in everyday school life. The award-winning entries invite dialogue on social challenges and show Europe as a peacemaker and at the same time as a vibrant cultural space. They impressively demonstrate that art is not only expression, but also dialogue about experiences, values and visions of the future."
