Here are some of the things they had to say - let us know if you think they are completely right, or utterly wrong, or on the right track but...

“Now I can go freely without anyone looking at me like a potential illegal.”
More freedom and ease of travel is the main difference reported by the young people since EU enlargement, with more tourist destinations opening up to visitors from Western European countries and less trouble at borders for those who come from Eastern European countries. However, the young people from old member countries said they felt their countries were not yet completely open to sharing everything with the new countries.

“Rich in one night? It’s not like that!”
There was also some disappointment among those from new EU member countries where little difference had been perceived at all. However, the young people agreed that this had more to do with the unrealistic expectations that existed prior to their accession to the EU. Although there are now more opportunities to study and live abroad, the problem of “Brain Drain” in some countries means that returning to your home country after studying abroad is extremely important, “to give something back”. In fact, where access to education and work possibilities abroad was previously a top priority, now having access to the same opportunities at home is more important among those who come from the new EU countries.

“Rich and poor countries should have the same position in the constitution.”
Although ‘education’ and ‘mobility’ in Europe are still among the most important values for young Europeans, ‘freedom and peace’ has become the top priority for the young people, who agreed that without freedom and peace the other important values of ‘Education’, ‘Communication’, ‘Mobility’, ‘Different Cultures’ and ‘Equal Opportunities’ cannot exist.

“EU expansion is a natural development…”
Above all, the young people are sure that EU expansion is a natural, necessary and positive development – a development that can only be of benefit to all Europe, but one that requires active participation by all young people to ensure its success.