Message from the Federal Minister for Education and Research Professor Annette Schavan

“The European Union is more than a political construction: it is „our common future“, and is articulated as such in the Berlin statement made on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. For this reason, bringing Europe to the hearts of the people is an important concern for the German government.

“I am pleased that the Frankfurt Future Think Tank is making a contribution to the Europe unification process and is motivating school pupils, young professionals and students to express their vision about the future of the European Union. The participants will transcend national borders and the barrier of language, and regardless of age, gender or social class will express the challenges of our time in their own words. Young people from all over Europe will seek and formulate answers, and in doing so will reach a new interpretation of current developments. Behind each and every text lies an individual perspective and an original idea, from the very people who live in Europe and who make Europe what it is.

“Through this, the potential for the transfer of knowledge and experiences within a European context of education will become apparent. International cooperation in education is the economic driving force of our time; the motor for sustainable development in Europe. In a globally connected world, Europe needs to define its own position and communicate its strengths. This can only be the case when each and every individual has the opportunity to realize and develop their own talent and skills. The European Scriptorium offers a good forum for this.

“The challenge of catching a good idea and trapping it in words is rarely easy, but always worth it. I look forward to the results of this international exchange of ideas and wish all participants of the European Scriptorium much creativity and success.”