1 June – Elementary school Muharrem Bekteshi in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica

“Things can always improve if people are willing to change”

Andy Sparkes, Ambassador for the United Kingdom in Kosovo, gave a lecture today at elementary school Muharrem Bekteshi in Mitrovicë/Mitrovica. He started by stressing his happiness for being able to share his knowledge over EU related matters and Kosovo’s European future with the students.

Mr. Sparkes first explained the main characteristics of the European Union integration process. He also reminded the students of the history of the EU and how countries had decided to stop fighting against each other and to form a community which is now called the European Union. To answer questions from the children as to why the EU was created Andy Sparkes stated that the main idea was to prevent any future conflict between the member states. It has now become a community with very tight links which is based on four principles: freedom of movement for people, goods, services and capital.

The interaction between Mr. Sparkes and the students was very productive and they started to talk about the history and future of Kosovo. The children were very interested in hearing Mr. Sparkes’ opinion on when could Kosovo would be able to have visa liberalization and how the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia may affect their European perspective.

Mr. Sparkes ended his presentation by saying that examples in the past should serve as a good sign that things can always improve if people are willing to change. Hard work and strong determined will are the best criteria for one nation.