A total of 15 schools, with 448 students, participated in the European competition this year. 127 prize winners and seven national prize winners were honored. In addition, 25 classes from ten schools took part in the district’s Europe Quiz. Nine classes answered the quiz without any mistakes; the three winning classes were selected by lottery from among them.
Europe Begins at Home
In his speech, District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier emphasized the importance of Europe for people’s everyday lives and the commitment of the younger generation: “Europe isn’t just in Brussels or Strasbourg. Europe is alive right here in the Ludwigsburg district—in classrooms, in creative ideas, and in the commitment of young people. The students have impressively demonstrated that Europe is not an abstract idea, but something that can be actively shaped.”
The District Administrator particularly praised the participants’ creative and diverse contributions to this year’s theme of the 73rd European Competition: “Your Europe: Rights, Respect – Reality?!” Whether through drawings, videos, podcasts, photos, or written pieces—the students engaged critically, personally, and passionately with European values and current challenges.
“When I see the creativity, knowledge, and commitment of these young people, I feel very confident. Europe’s future is in good hands with them,” said District Administrator Allgaier.
Europe Quiz Boosts Knowledge of the European Union
For the 23rd time, the Ludwigsburg District organized the Europe Quiz for secondary schools. The goal is to deepen knowledge about the European Union and raise young people’s awareness of European issues.
The Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg has supported the Europe Quiz for many years with an annual grant of 2,000 euros, thereby making attractive prizes possible for the winning classes.
“I am very pleased that more and more young people are getting excited about the competition and engaging creatively with human rights, freedom, and democracy. Especially in times when these fundamental values are coming under increasing pressure, it is important that
we empower our students early on not only to understand the European ideal
but also to actively help shape it. By participating, we not only strengthen young people’s critical thinking and social engagement but also lay the
foundation for a Europe based on justice, respect, and lived reality,” said Dr. Heinz-Werner Schulte, Chairman of the Board of Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg.
The winning class of the Europe Quiz will enjoy a trip to Strasbourg, including a visit to the European Parliament. Second prize is a trip to Munich, and third prize is the game “Guess Your Way Through Europe.”
Thanks to Schools and Teachers
District Administrator Allgaier thanked not only the students but also, in particular, the teachers and project coordinators at the schools for their dedication: “Especially in times of major social and political challenges, it is important for young people to engage with Europe, ask questions, and develop their own ideas about Europe’s future.”
The event was once again accompanied by music from the student band “Tori, Toni and the Boys” from the Ludwigsburg Youth Music School.
