Meeting in Slovakia

European Cooperation and Civic Responsibility

11th – 14th May 2026 – Bratislava, Slovakia

Students from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria took part in the international project V4 Democracy in Action, which focused on democracy, European cooperation and the shared history of the V4 countries.

The first day began with a welcome meeting, an introduction to the programme and a tour of the partner school led by Slovak students. In the morning, participants baked traditional Bratislava rolls, a local speciality. In the afternoon, they explored the historic centre of Bratislava, including a guided tour of St. Martin’s Cathedral. The day ended with group activities and preparations for presentations on democracy and modern history.

The second day focused on the theme “How Europe Works”. In the morning, students visited Europeum – the House of the European Union, where they took part in an interactive presentation in English about the European Union and its institutions. They also visited Bratislava Castle, enjoying beautiful views of the city and the Danube. The international teams prepared joint performances that brought plenty of fun and laughter. In the afternoon, students took part in an engaging discussion with the Public Defender of Rights about democracy, human rights and civic responsibility. A lecture by the Nation’s Memory Institute was followed by an interactive team game called Across the Iron Curtain, which helped students better understand the history of the Iron Curtain and modern Central Europe.

The third day was dedicated to history, cooperation and shared experiences. In the morning, students toured the specialist classrooms at the partner school and watched the award-winning film Balloon, which tells the dramatic story of two families attempting to escape to the West during the Cold War. Teamwork and discussion afterwards helped them gain a deeper understanding of life during that period. A walk through the city took them to the Presidential Palace and the Baroque gardens of Bratislava Castle. In the afternoon, they visited Devín Castle and the Gate of Freedom, a memorial commemorating those who lost their lives while trying to escape across the Iron Curtain. The site also highlights the importance of freedom and cooperation between European countries. Students explored these themes in international teams and worked together on a video and other project outputs. The day concluded with a certificate ceremony and a pleasant evening spent together.

The final day began with a walk along the Danube waterfront and through the modern Eurovea district, allowing students to discover another side of Bratislava and enjoy their last moments together. The international teams then evaluated the project and reflected on what they had learned. After lunch, the students said goodbye to their hosts and partners.

The V4 Democracy in Action mobility in Bratislava provided students with valuable knowledge about democracy, European institutions, human rights and the shared history of Central Europe. It also helped them develop their language, communication and teamwork skills while building friendships across the V4 countries. They returned home with new experiences, lasting memories and a deeper understanding of the importance of freedom, democracy and international cooperation.