Empowering youth voices: Croatian government foundation brings young scholars to the heart of Europe

In September 2025, the ''Croatia for Children'' Foundation, as a proud Eurochild member and a government foundation dedicated to improving the well-being of children and young people in Croatia, organised an inspiring study visit to the European Parliament in Brussels for its top scholarship students.

Eleven young scholarship recipients - pupils and students supported by the Foundation during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic years had the unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the work of EU institutions, thanks to the invitation of Croatian MEP Nikolina Brnjac.

During their two-day visit, the group toured the European Quarter and the House of European History, attended a presentation on the Parliament’s structure, and engaged in lively discussions with MEP Brnjac and Spanish MEP Borja Gimenez, who shared his insights on youth participation and inclusion across Europe. The scholarship students asked a series of interesting and thoughtful questions about European policy, education, and youth mobility, which intrigued both MEPs and sparked an open and engaging dialogue.

The exchange of ideas highlighted common challenges faced by young Europeans, from access to affordable housing to opportunities for education and mobility. Participants expressed great enthusiasm for the experience, describing it as eye-opening, motivating, and a source of inspiration for their future studies and careers.

The initiative strengthened cross-border dialogue, encouraged active citizenship, and reminded all involved that empowering youth voices today means shaping a more inclusive Europe tomorrow. The Foundation remains open to all forms of cooperation and partnership aimed at improving the lives of children and young people.