The students presented him with a number of projects they had created themselves, including a Europe puzzle, clay plates and a shoe park with elements typical of the member states, and information booklets on the history of the EU. "It is remarkable how intensively and in detail you have dealt with Europe," said Spahn in amazement.
Teacher Philipe-Henry Porschen made it clear that this interest is no coincidence: "One of the focal points of this school is to be the topic of Europe. We have already initiated a number of projects in this regard." In the future, for example, funding from the Erasmus+ program and the European Commission's eTwinning program will be used to provide further training for teachers, so that in future subjects can be taught bilingually in German and Dutch or English. Porschen particularly emphasized the close ties with the Netherlands. Close contacts have already been established with the schools RSC Noord Oost Veluwe in Epe, the Dutch namesake of the local Epe, and AOC Oost Enschede. The latter was visited by the students of the Euregio comprehensive school on May 9 as part of a joint project day.
In a subsequent discussion with the students, Spahn praised the commitment of the college and the student body: "In Europe, we are 28 countries with more than 500 million people, which is more than in the USA. Therefore, it is important and good to create an awareness of the value of the European Union again. Only then can we also talk about how we want to change and shape Europe in the future." He also outlined a planned project of the EU Commission, the Free Interrail Ticket. Under this, all young Europeans are to be given a free Interrail ticket on their 18th birthday. "Traveling for two weeks through the most diverse countries of the EU is an incredibly enriching experience that helps to learn to appreciate Europe and its advantages. That's why we in the Ministry of Finance are also trying to work towards realizing the project," said the Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Finance.
Finally, the MP had a request for the students: "Go vote. In China, Russia or Turkey, people go to prison to exercise their right to vote. All you have to do is turn 18. Every single person in Germany should appreciate that. And that's also the only way that the interests of younger people will once again come more into the focus of politics."