"The European Union for Youth": Meeting and discussion with Vassilis Maragos held at YSU

A meeting-discussion titled "The European Union for Youth" was held in YSU Academic Council Session Hall with Vassilis Maragos, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Within the framework of the event, YSU students had the opportunity to address their questions to the EU ambassador and discuss various topics related to what unites young people.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, highlighting the importance of cooperation with the European Union and the opportunities it provides for students, stated, "Today's meeting is yet another event organized in collaboration with the EU. I am confident that through this discussion, our students will gain new knowledge and become informed about the diverse opportunities available to participate in EU programs."

In this context, the rector emphasized the significance of the EU's various initiatives, particularly the Erasmus+ program, which offers numerous opportunities not only for students—to study abroad, become acquainted with the cultural life of different countries, and establish new friendships and professional connections—but also for academic staff, enabling them to teach at foreign universities and expand their scientific cooperation networks.

Speaking about the program "The European Union for Youth," Ambassador Vassilis Maragos noted that it is one of the many initiatives organized for young people: "EU programs aimed at youth seek to foster their professional development and create platforms that ensure scientific and educational interaction among students from different countries. As one of the initiators of such programs, it is gratifying for me to witness their positive outcomes and the extent to which they have improved people's lives."

Before answering students' questions, the ambassador underlined two key messages: "First, your years of study are extremely important. You must value this period of learning, as by studying well, you secure your bright future. Second, the relations between Armenia and the EU have significantly strengthened and expanded thanks to numerous programs."

The first questions were addressed by Syuzi Tadevosyan, a representative of the Young European Ambassadors, after which the ambassador responded to additional questions from the students, providing comprehensive and insightful answers.

Concluding the discussion, Vassilis Maragos encouraged the students, saying, "Make the most of this period of your life—do not waste your time. Learn, develop, and acquire professional skills. Be curious, listen to the advice of others, and take responsibility for planning your own future."