Students gave Kristian Vigenin a European open lesson. He told them what he does as an MEP

Who runs the European Union? How did our entry into Schengen help free movement? Will prices rise when we introduce the euro? Where do the old coins go once they are out of use? These are a small part of the questions that the fourth-grade students from the 8th secondary school “Vasil Levski” in Sofia put to the head of the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin.

The children welcomed their guest with bread and salt, following an old Bulgarian tradition. The school orchestra “Melodika” surprised him with a performance of the “Ode to Joy”, the anthem of the European Union, which became a symbol of the Council of Europe in 1972. Then the fourth-grade students, supported by their class teachers Lidia Yordanova and Daniela Pangelova, gave the MEP an open lesson of their own about the European Union, about its history, values and functions. It turned out that their knowledge was surprising for their age, which impressed Kristian Vigenin. He even joked that he would take them on as lecturers for some of his colleagues. ​

The pupils’ questions

The MEP told the fourth-grade students what he does and what happens in the European Parliament, about the need for solidarity in order to achieve what matters to all European citizens, but also about the importance of defending national positions, which he strives to do. Vigenin noted that the privilege of travelling freely is also a result of our EU membership, and that economic exchange is freer, which contributes to the development of the economies of the member states. The MEP explained to the children that when they grow up they will understand from their own experience that the European Union gives them more opportunities for education, because they will be able to study in whichever country of the Union they choose. He told them that there are exchange programmes and greater opportunities for development. “Effort is also needed in order to succeed. For example, Bulgaria worked quite hard to become a member of the European Union. When they give you a star, it is recognition of work done and of results,” Vigenin said to the children.

Many of the students questions were about the introduction of the euro. The children were told about the conflicting opinions for and against. Kristian Vigenin explained to them that in the democratic world everyone has the right to an opinion, but in the end decisions are taken by the majority. He explained that the state has to make sure traders do not raise prices speculatively, and that the convenience will be that we will not have to exchange money when travelling.

At the end of the meeting, on the occasion of 1 June, Childrens Day, Kristian Vigenin gave every child a book by a Bulgarian author, and presented new titles for the school library to the principal of the 8th secondary school “Vasil Levski” Milena Anachkova.