A group of 30 Romanian Olympiad pupils from the International Computer High School of Bucharest - exceptional youngsters, champions in robotics, mathematics, informatics and geography - visited the European Parliament in Brussels from 3 to 5 November.
According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, over these three days, the students discovered from the inside how the European Parliament works - from the complex legislative process to the essential role which the institution plays in shaping European policies.
"Representatives of the MEPs explained the current political structure of the European Union, the distribution of political groups and the principles that underpin European democratic values: freedom, solidarity, the rule of law and respect for diversity, as well as the current European challenges - peace, global and European security, climate, artificial intelligence and humanity's digital dynamics," the quoted source mentioned.
The schedule of the visit to Brussels also included a meeting at the residence of Romania's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, where the pupils were welcomed by Ambassador Andreea Pastarnac. Discussions focused on the role of the Romanian diplomacy in strengthening European relations, the importance of representing national interests in a global context and the responsibility of the younger generation to promote Romania's image abroad.
The ambassador spoke about the diplomatic career "as a path of dialogue and understanding between cultures," underscoring that "diplomacy is not just a profession, but a vocation combining respect, courage, intelligence, empathy and balance."
The pupils also met MEP Rares Bogdan, the leader of the Romanian delegation in the European People's Party (EPP) Group.
"If adults were to ask more often what children truly want, the world would be easier to breathe in. They would have someone to ask, but probably the answer frightens them. I had the chance to meet a group of pupils who shine in the world of international Olympiads. Champions of knowledge: robotics, mathematics, informatics, geography. I say from the heart - they are the flagship of our hope as a nation. They are the heavy artillery of the Romanian soul that builds. (...) I bow before the children who will shape the future of Romania and Europe! I wish for peace, so that they can help restore our roots and our smiles," MEP Rares Bogdan said.
Within the visit to the European Parliament, Theodor Minea, an 11th-grade pupil with a keen interest in geopolitics, showed particular interest in MEP Rares Bogdan's statements and his role in the European Union's Foreign Affairs Committee.
The visit of the 30 Olympiad pupils to Brussels was not only a lesson about the European institutions and politics, but also a lesson about the future.
"These exceptional youngsters in science connected for the first time with the Romanian diplomacy and the efforts of European integration, with the strengths and shortcomings of the EU's functioning and they demonstrated that Romania has much to offer Europe: brilliant minds, solid values and a sincere belief in the power of education, knowledge, innovation and dialogue between generations. Decision-making politicians have a lot to learn from the way that these young people perform, think and develop. These youths do not only have medals - they have a miniature model of governance based on merit and sustained effort, not improvisation; on a culture of innovation, not copying; on connection to global networks, not isolation; on education as a strategic investment, with modesty, collaboration and respect for competence," organiser and coordinator of the group and president of INACO Association - the Initiative for Competitiveness Andreea Paul said.
The visit was carried out within the official visit schedule organised at the European Parliament at the invitation of MEP Rares Bogdan, the leader of the Romanian delegation in the European People's Party (EPP) Group.
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