In a time when Europe faces growing cultural fragmentation and rising polarisation, More Than Neighbours set out to reclaim what unites us — not only as citizens of different nations, but as people with shared values, hopes, and histories. Over the course of a week in Kernavė, Lithuania, young participants from Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Spain, and Portugal came together to live, reflect, and build what it means to be European today.

At the core of the exchange was a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and participatory space. Rather than focusing on theory or top-down learning, the programme cultivated genuine dialogue and emotional connection. From the very beginning, participants were invited to share personal goals, expectations, and fears — recognising vulnerability as a form of strength and as the first step toward meaningful inclusion.

One of the most powerful learning moments came through the exploration of stories — the fairy tales, legends, and personal narratives that shape us from childhood. By exchanging cultural references, we discovered striking similarities in the moral foundations, characters, and lessons of our national tales. These shared stories served as an emotional bridge, reinforcing the idea that our differences are often smaller than we think. In this process, equality became tangible: not as an abstract right, but as a shared human experience.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in team challenges, creative problem-solving activities, and thematic discussions, all of which revealed a strong democratic undercurrent. Democracy, in this context, was not reduced to institutions or elections — it emerged through small acts of listening, inclusion, and collaboration. Whether working together on a treasure hunt, role-playing future EU scenarios, or discussing minorities in Europe, young people practiced active citizenship in its most direct form.

The exchange also offered space to reflect critically on exclusion and privilege in European societies. Conversations about marginalised communities gave rise to questions about accessibility, visibility, and systemic inequality — reminding us that a unified Europe must also be a fair one. These conversations were handled not as debates to be won, but as collective reflections requiring honesty, humility, and deep listening.

Sustainability, often treated as a technical or environmental topic, was approached here as a cultural and ethical stance. The choice of Kernavė’s natural surroundings, the respectful engagement with Lithuanian heritage during our excursion to Kaunas, and the conscious effort to connect with local traditions all contributed to an experience of sustainability as a lived value.

Lastly, the exchange placed great emphasis on creative thinking and imagination. Storytelling workshops, cultural evenings, and open discussions about the future of the European Union encouraged participants to think beyond current structures and envision new forms of solidarity and belonging. Here, innovation took shape not in digital tools, but in the capacity to co-create new narratives about Europe — grounded in shared values, curiosity, and hope.

More Than Neighbours was not just a week-long programme — it was a reminder that European identity is not given, it is built. Through active engagement, intercultural dialogue, and the courage to imagine differently, the young people of this exchange shaped something deeper than a project: they shaped a shared vision.

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