9 July – ’28 Nentori’ Elementary school in Raushiq

“We count on you to bring Kosovo to this club of countries that agreed to do things together”

Students at the elementary in Raushiq near Peja/Pec greeted Khaldoun Sinno, Head of the Political, Economic and European Integration Section at the European Commission Liaison Office, with flowers and the full classroom was eager to learn more about the EU. Mr. Sinno was impressed with the warm welcome and the advanced level of English of the young students – the accompanying interpreter was hardly needed.

Mr Sinno talked the students through the creation of the EU after the Second World War. How six countries formed this club of countries which would from then on work together and solve conflicts through coordination and cooperation.

As a real life example, Mr Sinno described his own European identity and background: He was born in Germany, studied in the UK, Belgium and France, is married to a Hungarian and his children are half German, half Hungarian.

Almost all hands went up when Mr Sinno asked the students if they wanted to go to university. He explained that the European Union is helping students to study in other countries and how this can open your mind in order to work with your neighbors for a common future.  He called on the students to make their contribution to the European integration process: “We count on you. You are the future, you will bring Kosovo to the EU.” He explained that the EU is and will be there to help them.   

There was a true European integration spirit in the air this morning in the village Raushiq - despite the fact that most students told Mr Sinno that they would not cheer for a European team but for Brazil in the upcoming football World Cup.