Simon's favourite well-known European figure is Marie Curie

Maria Salomea Skłodowska Curie (1867-1934) was born in 1867 in Warsaw, in the Kingdom of Poland (which was a part of the actual Poland). She became a French citizen when she married Pierre Curie. She was a chemist and physicist who discovered Polonium and Radium, two chemical elements now present in the periodic table. She was a pioneer in radioactivity research, winning the Nobel Prize twice, the first time in 1903 in Physics, the second time in 1911 in Chemistry. She was the first female professor at the University of Paris, and also the first woman to be entombed on her own merits in the Paris Panthéon (in 1995). She died from aplastic anemia due to long-term exposure to radiation.

I think that the work she and her husband did together in order to advance Science and the world is obviously worthy of everyone’s admiration. She was a great person; her research still brings hope to cancer victims or of other diseases of the same order, and the Curie Institutes in Paris and in Warsaw are still major medical research centers today. The sacrifices she made pushed the limits of current knowledge. She had great willpower and dignity and was full of life. Her impressive inquiring mind is still admired around the World.

She is a great European figure because she was both Polish and French and she contributed to the progress of humanity.

Claire's favourite well-know European figure is Zinedine Zidane

But what happened?!

Zinédine Yazid Zidane is a world-famous football player. He is French, but Algerian by birth. He has marked the history of football. He is our favorite footballer in France; we call him “Zizou”.

His most important award was the 1998 World Cup. Unfortunately, I am too young to remember this event!

He has played for very important clubs like the Juventus Turin or Real Madrid.

He controversially head-butted an Italian player during the 2006 World Cup final. This ended his eighteen-year career. He was 34, which is rather young to retire! However, he did not disappear...

He is quite clever because he uses his good reputation among the French to support charities. The best known is ELA. He also takes part in charity matches with other players.

The famous number 10 is very important in French people's hearts. Zizou is a great symbol of integration; he is proof that France and Europe are welcoming to people from other parts of the world...

Article about our trip on the Web site of the Parlement Européen Bureau d’Information en France

Read the article by Edyta!

Our terrific trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg!

Some of us in the Parliament building

From the 11^th to the 13^th of September 2012, we went up to Strasbourg to visit the European Parliament. We are ten pupils from Lycée Sainte-Marie in Riom (Puy-de-Dôme, France), the same ten who took part in the National Session of the PEJ, i.e. the Parlement Européen des Jeunes (European Youth Parliament), in Sèvres (near Paris) in April 2012.

Romain (on the left)

After one sleepless night in a Paris Youth Hostel, we were welcomed by Romain Fabre, from the PEJ, at the Gare de l'Est. He had organized the trip and came with us to the Parliament.

The European Parliament entrance

The atrium...

The architecture of the Parliament building is incredible. It looks like a castle of glass. The flags of the EU member countries all flutter majestically in front of the entrance. We were met by Edyta Michelin who guided us to the conference hall and accompanied us during our visit.

Sylvie Guillaume, MEP (on the left!)

The first MEP we listened to was Sylvie Guillaume, a member of the civil liberties committee, about Shengen. She explained that the enlargement of the Shengen space is a problem, mainly because of the Netherlands' reluctance to let Romania and Bulgaria be part of it.

Some of the pupils and students and also Laurence,
the teacher accompanying the group from Marseilles,

listening to an MEP talking about something actually quite complicated...

The second talk of the morning was given by Gaetan Claeys, an MEP's assistant, who told us what Europe is doing about food safety. We asked about the risks of GMOs and cloned meat.

We then went into the giant Parliament "dome" to watch a plenary assembly. Mr Barroso, the President of the European Commission, was giving his yearly "State of the Union" address. We then watched the voting (mostly show-of-hands); we were very impressed by the high speed of it all. There was a great number of MEPs (we spotted the more famous French ones).

It's a jungle here!

Then we had lunch at the cantine (which is more like a luxury restaurant!). It was delicious and plentiful (unlike the horrible picnic at the Youth Hostel!).

The last conference, about human rights, was given by Mrs Vergiat, a French MEP. 33% of MEPs are women. She explained what the EU is trying to do as regards Syria.

A corner of the Parliament building (offices, meeting rooms, etc.)

Then, just before leaving the Parliament, we took lots of fun pictures (mostly of ourselves and our new friends from the Lycée Victor Hugo in Marseilles who were also there for the day) and did a final quick tour. We then visited the historic centre of Strasbourg, which is very nice indeed, especially the huge cathedral. We drank hot chocolate at one of the cafés, which was nice (especially as it was a bit chilly).

Four pupils from the Marseilles delegation (in front of the cathedral)

In the evening we were back in Paris after a lively two hour train journey. We all went to a friendly pizzeria and then for a digestive stroll in the posh quartiers around the Louvres.

We had to get up very early to catch the train back to Riom but, though very tired, we managed not to fall asleep during the 11 o'clock Maths class!

We were all delighted by our trip from which we learnt a lot. Thank you to everyone for making it happen: Romain at the PEJ, Edyta at the Parliament, our teacher Mr Nettleship who accompanied us, our parents of course, and to Mr Cleyet-Merle and Mr Belin at Sainte-Marie.

See the photos of our PEJ trip to Strasbourg!

Read the article on the PEJ Website written by Romain (includes photos)!

Peter's pictures of our trip to Strasbourg (European Parliament and Cathedral)
Article on the PEJ Website
Article on the marist blog

We were in the European Parliament yesterday!

Watch Barroso give his 2012 State of the Union address!

Floriane's PEJ experience!

I would say that the PEJ experience has made me understand that sharing ideas and trying to be tolerant is very important. Also, I learnt to cope a little with the stress of having to speak in public.

I found out about European issues and institutions and how an assembly works.

I enjoyed the debates. The other delegates, who came from all over France were nice people.

I also liked the team building; through creative and physical activities we learnt how to solve problems through teamwork.

Europe Day PEJ competition... did Sainte-Marie win? Click on the link below to find out!

And the winner is...

Roch's PEJ experience!

Roch & Rolex!

Sainte-Marie's pupils were divided into different committees. Roch was the only pupil from Sainte- Marie in his committee, but, fortunately, the team building games allowed the pupils to get to know each other and to learn to cooperate. Sainte-Marie's pupils were mixed with other pupils from different towns like Tours and Limoges. There were also three Greek pupils.

Rock got along particularly well with Limoges's pupils. He has kept in touch with them and he intends to see them again.

Roch enjoyed the trip to Sèvres. It raised his awareness of European issues. His worst moment was when he had to give a speech. He was stressed and he found nothing to say! He and his committee worked on the question of how the EU should react against the authoritative regime in Hungary.

His favourite moment was when a girl jumped on him during one of the theater sketches!

This PEJ experience also allowed Roch to get to know the other pupils in the Sainte-Marie delegation better.

Florian's PEJ experience!

Florian... ze style!

I learnt to work with other people, even to manage a team. It is sometimes difficult to find compromises... It was very interesting to act as a member of a parliament, to find out how it works.

The theater sketches we did on Friday evening were fun and at the same time it was a good way to get to know each other.

The best moment of the weekend was when my team won the game during the disco on Saturday evening!

I was sad when we had to leave Paris, not only to leave my new friends behind but also because we were disappointed not to have won...

Nathan's PEJ experience!

Nathan Panza!

I learnt how to work as a member of a committee. Our job was to discuss and try to find solutions to various social problems. I also got an insight into what an MEP has to do.

I loved the team building, meeting new people of my own age, and the fact that the General Assembly took place at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The worst moment was when we had to work from midnight to past 2 o’clock in the morning to finish our work, and then get up at six, on a Sunday! I was exhausted when we got back to the Auvergne!

The weekend in Sèvres just did not last long enough because we really had a lot of fun.

It wasn’t hard to be get along with everybody or to communicate. The Chairs (they managed the committees) spoke English almost all the time and I sometimes translated for the other pupils on my committee. That made me popular!

It was a great experience meeting other pupils and taking responsibility for something. I would go back right now if I had the opportunity! It was a fun trip since I made lots of friends during that weekend. I will keep in touch with some of them.

The great majority of the delegates were from French Lycées, but there were also Greeks, and they were very nice.

This experience made me discover what it means to be "European" and how great it is just to meet people from other countries.

James' PEJ experience!

James, Florian, sandwiches & friends!

We won a place at the 32nd National Session of the European Youth Parliament (called Parlement Européen des Jeunes or PEJ in France) which took place in Sèvres near Paris at the end of March, beginning of April. I took part as a member of the ten-member delegation from Sainte-Marie (all Section européenne pupils in Première).

It was a great experience! We met a lot of people from every part of France but also from, among other places, Greece, England and Poland. It was interesting to act as an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) for a couple of days...

On the first day we were split up into the various committees. I sat on the Committee on Internal Markets and Consumer Protection (which is actually more interesting than it sounds!); the issue that we had to discuss and find resolutions to was: "What measures could the EU take as regards the spreading of music, movies, etc. on Internet in order to ensure a balance between intellectual property and accessibility to culture". I think the greatest moment of the weekend for me was when more than 80% of the General Assembly approved our committee's resolutions. That means we did a good job.

But before starting committee work, we did plenty of fun games to get to know each other better. In the evening of the first day we went to the town hall of Sèvres which was an amazing place (one of the oldest mairie buildings in France). We listened to long speeches by important people, sipped champagne I mean freshly squeezed orange juice, and nibbled dainty canapés. Later that evening we invaded a theatre and did some daft theatre sketches (the aim was to have fun but also to gain a little more self-confidence about speaking in public...).

I learnt a lot about myself during the weekend... Giving a speech in front of more than two hundred people makes you realize that if you believe in yourself and in what you have to say, you can indeed convince others.

I would definitely go again to a EYP session, but not as a delegate as that is only open to Première pupils (next year I'm in Terminale), but as a journalist, Chair, or organizer.

I hope next year's Première will also take part in a PEJ session; maybe they will win and go on to an international Session!

Quentin's PEJ experience!

Nadal trying to imitate Quentin...

I learnt how the UE functions, how to work with a group, how to cooperate with others during team building games or during committee work.

I liked the team building, the committee work and taking part in the General Assembly. Our committee worked on the Tobin tax (which fights financial speculation).

The worst moment was having to leave! The PEJ was great even if we did not win.

Bénédicte's PEJ experience!

 Bénédicte & Lucile: indignados!

I learnt many things about Europe: its anthem, how the Parliament and Commission function, etc., and the purpose of the EU generally.

I also learnt to work on quite unfamiliar subjects with people I had never met before. We got to know each other and got over being embarrassed through team building games; they were great fun. They were a good way to release the pressure and apprehension, and just to relax. Our team spirit then allowed us to work more efficiently in our committees. Coming up with new ideas in our committee, which was about the practice of sport in Europe, was quite difficult because a lot of progress has already been made over the last few years in this sector.

Taking part in a National Session of the EYP brought me a bit more confidence in my public speaking skills plus I learnt some vocabulary.

We had to give ourselves completly during these three days despite being tired. We had to be in shape for the different events like the Eurovillage and the general assembly.

We were disappointed not to win this Session of the EYP, but the winners are people we appreciated a lot so that is OK.

Lucile's PEJ experience

Bénédicte & Lucile... Olé!

We took part in many activities. There were young people from all over France. We did some "team building" which are games and outdoor activities. We were divided up into committees. I was the only person from Sainte-Marie in my committee. We had to deal with a subject that we had to present to the general assembly on the Sunday. Our subject was to find solutions to improve the living conditions of the poorest people in the EU. We had to discuss in English. The general assembly was mostly in English. There we had to defend our proposals. There were relaxing moments too with sketches and a party.

I enjoyed the committee work on the Saturday because I got to know the others. The "Euro village" was fun too ; I joined the members of my delegation from Sainte-Marie to run a stall with food and various things promoting Spain. Another favorite moment was the general assembly which was like a real one.

My worst moment was when it was time to leave!

I improved my spoken English, learned some vocabulary, and I made friends with other young people.

Madeleine's PEJ experience!

Madeleine gives a speech at the General Assembly

 

I learnt about how the European Parliament works, what the EYP/PEJ is, how to work in a group without an adult. I managed to forge an opinion on subjects I did not know or would even have cared about before... I also made a few friends!

When the EYP began I felt ill-at-ease because I did not know anyone apart from Bénédicte in my committee. The team building was a bit strange at first because we greeted each other as if we were best friends who had not seen each other for a long time!

At the end of the week-end, just before we left, the President of the National Session, an Englishman, officially closed the Session and I realised it really was finished and that it had been prettty cool and in fact quite an enriching experience and also that I might never see my new friends again! It was both the best and the worst moment of the weekend because it was all over but it made me think about all the good times that we had spent together...

Sainte-Marie goes to Paris!

From March 30th to April 1st 2012, ten young people from Sainte-Marie Lycée in Riom, Puy-de-Dôme, went to Sèvres, near Paris. It was more than a simple weekend trip; we took part in the 32nd National Session of the European Youth Parliament (EYP)!

EYP (better known in France as the Parlement Européen des Jeunes or PEJ) is an association that promotes European citizenship among young people.

A lycée delegation is made up of ten pupils, aged 16-17. Nine delegations from different lycées from all over France (plus one from a foreign school) attend a National Session.

During the Session, the pupils from the different lycées are mixed up into a number of committees. The committee members share ideas and try to find solutions to a problem which concerns European citizens. Each committee has a Chair, a member of the PEJ who helps the committee members do their work.

On the final day, we all meet up for a general assembly to present each committee's resolutions; the general assembly has to vote on whether to adopt (or reject) the resolutions. The ideas are then sent to be studied by the European Commission.

Perhaps it sounds boring, but, in fact, the PEJ is a wonderful experience! It's not all work either, as there are plenty of fun team-building games. It's an opportunity too to meet a lot of people our age from different places, and most of us stay in touch with each other.

You'll be able to read in the next article what the PEJ brought to the different members of our delegation, and why it was such a great and unforgettable experience!

 Article by Bénédicte

Quentin LE DOUCEN would like to live in Sweden

The European country in which I would most like to live is Sweden, for many reasons.

It is a fantastic country, with smooth landforms and wonderful colors. However, it is not a country of mass tourism.

The best sides of Sweden are its coastlines where there are number of beautiful old-fashioned fishing villages, enchanting islands, nature reserves and well-preserved nature in general, the welcoming people, traditions and crafts.

You can bathe in the sea, or in the fjords, or in the lakes big and small. You can also relax in a hot sauna.

The beautiful Swedish landscapes are mostly made up of forests. There are many animals hinding in these forests.

The frozen lakes are sometimes vast and there is snow everywhere (great for snow activities of course). The water of the fjords and waterfalls is so clear. When night falls, you can sometimes see the northern lights illuminating the sky.

The Swedish climate has different facets. Sweden enjoys a mostly temperate climate despite its northern latitude, mainly because of the Gulf Stream. Stockholm is warm compared to the mountains or the subarctic north.

Sweden has Competitiveness, Social Cohesion, and Capital confidence. It has a boyant economy. Sweden is always at the forefront in innovation, research and development. It is renown for  environmental protection. The Swedes are environmentally friendly, they drive mostly bicycles. It has a highly developed family and citizenship policy. Sweden has the highest HDI in the world. They have a good balance between work and private life. Finally, Swedes have one of the highest  life expectancies in the world, and one of the highest birth rates in Europe.

Le pays Européen dans lequel j’aimerais vivre est la Suède, pour de nombreuses raisons.

La Suède est un pays merveilleux, tout en douceur et en couleurs. Cependant, ce n'est pas le pays du tourisme de masse.

Les plus beaux atouts de la Suède sont ses côtes où l'on trouve quantité de magnifiques petits villages de pêcheurs au charme désuet, ses îles à l'atmosphère envoûtante, ses réserves naturelles et la protection de la nature en général, ses habitants, des gens discrets et le cœur sur la main, ses traditions et son artisanat, deux aspects très vivants de la culture suédoise.

De part sa géographie, la Suède est propice aux baignades en tous genres: la mer, la mer dans les archipels, les petits et gigantesques lacs, ainsi que la détente dans les différents saunas.

La Suède est majoritairement composé de forêts dans lesquelles résidents de nombreux animaux vivant en harmonie entre eux et participant à la beauté des paysages Suédois. De plus, les immenses lacs gelés et la neige à perte de vue embellissent la Suède et permettent la pratique de nombreuses activités. Elle émerveille aussi par ses fjords et ses cascades d’eaux limpides. Quand la nuit tombe, il peut ainsi se former des aurores boréales, illuminant le ciel.

Le climat suédois a différentes facettes. La Suède profite d’un climat surtout tempéré malgré sa latitude au nord, principalement à cause du Golf Stream. Stockholm est plus chaud et plus doux, tandis qu’il règne au nord dans les montagnes un climat subarctique.

La Suède reçoit constamment le « Triple C » dans tous les classements internationaux : Compétitivité, Cohésion sociale, Capital Confiance. Elle connait une croissance en forte hausse, commerce extérieur et comptes publics en excédent. La Suède est aussi toujours à la pointe en innovation, recherche et développement, environnement et technologie; sur la plus haute marche en matière de politique familiale, parité et citoyenneté. La Suède est ainsi le pays le mieux réputé dans le monde. Les Suédois respectent l’environnement, ils roulent pour la plupart en vélo. Ils ont un bon équilibre entre la vie professionnel et la vie privée.

Enfin, la Suède a l’une des espérances de vie les plus élevées au monde, et un des taux de natalité les plus hauts en Europe.

Hadrien JANICOT would like to live in Spain

A sunny, dynamic, country not far from the mountains... That's what I would want! All these criteria point to one country: Spain. 

You might say that it's not really a dynamic country... It depends on the region. Catalonia is one of the richest regions in Europe. While the rest of Spain seems ruined, Barcelona and its region still distinguishes itself by its great economy, but also by its football team, considered the best in the world. But this country doesn't just come down to that! Spaniards have a reputation for being very welcoming and open-minded, which is perfect if you want to settle there.

Also, I must admit, food is important for me. Admittedly, eating red beans and grilled eel and is not my ideal (we should save that for our English friends!). No, I prefer by far a good Gazpacho, crunchy anchovy toasts, and delicious melon with ham.

Everyone knows Spain has fabulous beaches like the Costa Barra, but Spain is also an ideal country during the winter, with a mild climate and amazing ski resorts like Baqueira Beret.

So, it's in Spain that I would want to live, a country between ocean and mountain, between tradition and modernity, typically Mediterranean.

Un pays ensoleillé, dynamique, pas trop loin de la montagne ? Voilà ce qui me conviendrait ! Tous ces critères conviennent bien à un pays : l’Espagne.

Vous me direz que ce n’est pas forcément un pays très dynamique ? Tout dépend de la région. La Catalogne est une des régions les plus riches d’Europe. Alors que le reste de l’Espagne semble ruiné, la région barcelonaise ne cesse de se démarquer par son économie florissante, mais aussi par son équipe de Foot, jugé comme la meilleure au monde. Mais un pays ne se résume pas qu’à cela! Les Espagnols sont réputés pour être chaleureux, accueillants et ouverts, l’idéal pour s’intégrer dans un pays inconnu.

Je l’avoue : la gastronomie compte beaucoup pour moi. Manger des haricots rouges, et des anguilles grillés, ce n’est pas l’idéal (il faudrait réserver cela à nos amis Anglais !). Non, moi je préfère de loin déguster un bon Gazpacho, de croquants toasts aux anchois, ou d’onctueux melons aux jambons.

Tout le monde connait l’Espagne pour ses plages avec la Costa Brava, mais l’Espagne c’est aussi un pays idéal durant l’Hiver, avec un climat très doux et de belles stations dans les Pyrénées tel que Baqueire Beret.

C’est donc en Espagne que je voudrais vivre, un pays entre océan et montagne, entre modernité et tradition, chaleureux à la saveur épicée si typique de la méditerranée.

James Taylor would like to live in Finland

If I had to choose another European country to live in, my choice would be Finland. Finland's lakes are incredible, the country has one of the last protected territories on Earth. The wildlife is exceptional : eagles, elks, lynx, bears and unusual birds...

Helsinki is the World Capital of Design 2012 and there will be a lot of events, it's a very dynamic city.

Finland's gastronomy is mostly unknown by the tourists and that's why they created the "Food Sightseeing Tour" which shows you all the places to eat. I just love to taste new meals, flavours and find some good restaurants, so that's also why it would be interesting to go and live there.

However, one of major reasons of my choice is Finland's economy; Indeed this country is one of the least affected by the crisis. Its industrial power places Finland among the wealthiest countries in the world.

Si j'avais a choisir un autre pays européen pour y vivre, mon choix serait la Finlande. Les lacs de la Finlande sont incroyables, le pays possède l'un des dernier territoires protégé sur Terre. La faune y est exceptionnelle : aigles, élans, lynx, ours, et des oiseaux rarissimes...

Helsinki est la Capitale Mondiale du Design 2012 et il y aura de nombreuses attractions, c'est une ville très dynamique.

La gastronomie finlandaise est très peu connue des touristes, c'est pourquoi ils ont créé la « Visite Guidée Gastronomique » qui montre tous les lieux où l'on peut diner. J'adore gouter de nouveaux plats et saveurs et trouver de bons restaurants, c'est aussi pourquoi cela pourrait être intéressant d 'aller y habiter.

Cependant, l'une des raisons majeures de mon choix est l'économie finlandaise ; en effet ce pays est l'un des moins affecté par la crise. Son pouvoir industriel propulse la Finlande parmi les pays les plus riches du monde.

Nathan ROUCHES would like to live in Switzerland

If I couldn't live in France, I would like to live in Switzerland. First of all because it is a neutral country, which is safe during wars, and it is not affected by some of the problems of the European Union...

In Switzerland, people are wealthy, nevertheless products are quite expensive. Furthermore, I love chocolate, and it's a well-known fact that the Swiss are among the best, if they aren't the best, in that area.

Surrounded by mountains, it is like a cocoon in which you feel safe. And when you enjoy skiing like me, the snow isn't far away. The sea is more distant but the lakes are numerous.

Si je ne pouvais pas vivre en France, j'aimerais bien vivre en Suisse. Premièrement parce que c'est un pays neutre, tranquille pendant les guerres, et qui n'est pas touché par certains problèmes de l'Union Européenne...

En Suisse, les gens sont aisés, cependant les produits sont assez chers. De plus, j'adore le chocolat, et c'est un fait bien connu que les Suisses sont parmi les meilleurs, si ce n'est les meilleurs, dans ce domaine. 

Bien entourée de montagnes, c'est comme un cocon dans lequel on se sent en sécurité. Et puis l'avantage quand on aime skier, comme moi, c'est que la neige n'est pas très loin. La mer est plus éloignée mais les lacs sont nombreux.

Floriane DIEULEVEUT would like to live in Italy

If I had to live somewhere in Europe other than France, I would choose Italy.

To begin with, this country has had a very rich culture since Antiquity, in which I am quite interested, and takes you back in time... That makes it a wonderful country, with lots of statues, museums and monuments, and splendid cities such as Rome, Florence or Venice... Nowadays, the culture is still important with for instance great film directors.

Furthermore, Italian fashion is known all over the world, with many famous brands, and Milan which is also related to fashion...

But what attracts me most to Italy is its sunny climate, its sweet way of life, and of course the delicious ice creams and pizzas.

Besides, the Italian language is not one of the hardest to learn; I went to Italy some years ago and I keep an excellent souvenir of its monuments and of its amazing landscapes, in particular Mount Vesuvius , of its food, its warmth...

Si je devais vivre en Europe, ailleurs qu'en France, ce serait en Italie.

Tout d'abord, ce pays a une culture très ancienne, depuis l'Antiquité, qui m'intéresse beaucoup, et qui vous fait faire un retour dans le temps... Cela en fait un pays magnifique, plein de statues, de musées et de monuments, avec des villes splendides comme Rome, Florence, Venise... Encore aujourd'hui, la culture est notable avec par exemple de grands cinéastes.

De plus, la mode italienne est internationalement connue, avec de nombreuses marques très célèbres et la ville de Milan qu'on associe aussi à le mode...

Mais ce qui m'attire plus que tout en Italie, c'est son climat ensoleillé, sa douceur de vivre, ou encore ses glaces délicieuses ou ses pizzas.

D'autre part, la langue Italienne n'est pas des plus difficiles à apprendre ; je suis allée en Italie il y a quelques années et je garde un excellent souvenir de ses monuments et de ses paysages sublimes, comme le mont Vésuve, de sa cuisine, sa chaleur...

Madeleine JOUY would like to live in Malta

If I were to live in another European country, I think I would chose to live in Malta. Firstly because it's a Mediterranean island, and that would be a dream : the turquoise sea, the beach, the island's beauty...

Malta is an island, but it's also a dynamic country. It has a specific culture and language, architecture, gastronomy, and an exotic artistic heritage, largely due to its history  of invasions and cultural clashes. Its history is linked to the French until Napoleon, the island then became English, then got its independence and became a member of the Commonwealth (which is a disadvantage for me because I'm not that keen on English culture, but it does not really exist in Malta).

To live on Malta I would need a job, but this would not be easy to get. Malta is overcrowded and unemployment is a problem. Nonetheless, I would still like to live there (if I had independent means!).

Si je vivais dans un autre pays européen, je pense que je choisirais Malte. Tout d'abord parce que c'est une île méditerranéenne et cela fait rêver : la mer turquoise, la plage, la beauté de l'île...

Malte est une île, mais c'est aussi un pays dynamique. Elle possède une culture et une langue très particulières, une architecture, une gastronomie et un patrimoine artistique dépaysant, en grande partie dû à son histoire marquée par les différentes invasions et les chocs culturels. Son histoire est en effet reliée à celle de la France jusqu'à Napoléon, l'île passe ensuite sous contrôle Britannique, puis devient indépendante mais reste un membre du Commonwealth (ce qui est un inconvénient pour moi car la culture anglaise ne me passionne pas, mais, heureusement, elle n'est pas très présente à Malte).


En revanche, pour y habiter, il faudrait d'abord y trouver du travail, ce qui risque d'être un peu difficile, car l'île est surpeuplée... Mais là n'est pas la question, j'aimerais quand même y vivre (si j'étais rentière!).

Lucile LESTANG would like to live in England

If I had to choose another country within the EU to live, I think it would be England.

I’ve been there several times, and I’ve always loved my stays there. It’s a very nice country, I find. Certainly, the English weather is cold and rainy, however I live in the Auvergne, so I’m relatively used to this kind of climate.

I like to take a walk in English towns. There is a particular charm, really different from our own towns. The atmosphere is not the same there. The landscapes are also amazing: often very green, and with a very British melancholy, and always with this ceaseless fine drizzle, but remarkable on the whole.

I also love the English passion for tea, even though it’s perhaps the only thing, from the culinary point of view that I could stand, as I’m used to French cooking.

The English way of life is attractive. The French are renowned to always be in a hurry and on edge, and I am glad that it is not the case in England. Their dress sense too, though pretty fancy (even eccentric), pleases me very much too.

There’s a unique English atmosphere that I enjoy, and that makes England the country where I would be pleased to live, if there were no France.

Si je devais choisir un autre pays de l’Union Européenne où habiter, je pense que c’est l’Angleterre que je choisirais.

J’y suis allée plusieurs fois, et j’ai toujours beaucoup apprécié mes séjours là-bas. C’est un très joli pays je trouve. Certe, le climat anglais est réputé pour être plutôt froid et pluvieux, mais j’habite en Auvergne, j’y suis donc relativement habituée.

J’aime beaucoup me promener dans les villes anglaises. Elles ont un charme particulier, et sont bien différentes des villes françaises. L’ambiance n’y est pas la même. Les paysages que j’ai pu admirer sont également époustouflants : souvent très verts, et empreint d’une mélancolie très « British », avec cette fine bruine incessante, mais remarquables dans l’ensemble.

J’aime également leur passion pour le thé, même si c’est peut être la seule chose du point de vue  cullinaire que je suis parvenue à supporter, étant trop habituée à la cuisine française.

Le mode de vie anglais est également attrayant, je trouve. Les français sont réputés pour être pressés et nerveux, et j’ai été agréablement surprise de ne pas retrouver cet agacement général là-bas. Et leur façon de s’habiller, même très fantaisiste (voir exentrique), me plait beaucoup.

Il y a une ambiance anglaise, pour le moins unique, que j’apprécie, ce qui en fait le pays où j’aimerais bien vivre, si il n’y avait pas de France.

Roch LECORNEC would like to live in Luxembourg

The country where I would like to live within Europe is Luxembourg.

First of all, they speak French! I was born with this language, which is important for me. Moreover, there is not only one official language, which allows an open mind to other cultures.

Luxembourg has an important past. Luxembourg became what it is after several wars and purchase of territories. Therefore, their country is very important for today's Luxemburgers, as their ancestors  sweated and spilled blood to acquire this territory.

It is a very prosperous country with a developed economy (with the second highest GDP in the EU). It is in the heart of Europe; Luxembourg is the open door to the European market. It has a qualified workforce speaking many languages, a highy developed infrastructure. It offers a lot of opportunities to earn money. Furthermore there are few inhabitants, and a lot of wealth. So it is perfect for work.

Luxembourg has economic arrangements with its neighbours, began with Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy in the EEC, which had developed into the European Union of 27 members and an economic influence which may catch up with the USA. Luxembourg is a member of NATO. It doesn't have a big army. However, they're under the USA's protection.

Le pays où j'aimerais vivre au sein de l'Europe est le Luxembourg.

Tout d'abord, ils parlent français! Je suis né avec cette langue, ce qui est très important pour moi. De plus, il n'y a pas une langue officielle seulement, ce qui permet une ouverture d'esprit sur les autres cultures.

Le Luxembourg a un important passé. Le Luxembourg est ce qu'il est suite à des guerres et achats de territoire. En conséquence, c'est très important pour les Luxembourgeois, comme leurs ancêtres ont dépensés sueurs et sang pour pouvoir acquérir ces territoires.

C'est un pays très prospect avec une économie développée (avec le second PIB de l'UE). C'est aussi au cœur de l'Europe ; le Luxembourg est une porte ouverte sur le marché européen. Grâce à un peuple qualifié et polyglotte, et une infrastructure très développée. Cela offre beaucoup d'opportunités pour faire de l'argent dans l'Europe. En outre, il y a peu d'habitants, pour une grande richesse. Donc c'est parfait pour le travail.

Le Luxembourg a établit des contrats économiques avec ses voisins. Cela commence avec la l'Allemagne, la France, la Belgique, les Pays-Bas et l'Italie qui ont développé l'Union avec les 27 membres et une influence économique qui peut rattraper les USA. Le Luxembourg est un membre de l'OTAN. Il n'a donc pas une grand armée. Cependant, il est sous la protection américaine.

Florian GOUTTE-SOLARD would like to live in Italy

I would like to live in Italy because it is a country which has a great cultural and artistic heritage. Moreover, life is cheaper in Italy because products are less taxed. Also, the climate is pleasant thanks to the geographical situation of the country… And don’t forget the fact that Italien food is very famous! However, the economy of this country currently is undergoing great difficulties, despite the high number of tourists. In fact, unemployment has increased by 2.5% in 4 years. It is still possible to find a job in Italy though…

J’aimerai bien vivre en Italie car c’est un pays qui possède un très grand patrimoine artistique et culturel. De plus, la vie est moins chère en Italie car les produits y sont beaucoup moins taxés qu’en France : par exemple, un panier moyen de 20€ en France coûte moins de 15€ en Italie ! Puis, la situation géographique du pays fait que le climat y est très agréable puisqu’il fait souvent chaud. Et il ne faut pas oublier l’argument gastronomique qui fait pencher la balance vers l’Italie en termes de pays agréable à vivre! Malheureusement, ce pays connait, malgré une très forte fréquentation touristique, une économie en difficultée car, par exemple, le taux de chômage est passé de 6% à 8.5% en 4 ans… Mais il est toujours possible de trouver un travail dans ce pays.

Bénédicte ROCHE would like to live in England

If I could live abroad within the European Union, I would choose England. In my opinion, English culture, is interesting and quite original, sometimes eccentric which brings a breath of air... Furthermore, the country has several facets. It is traditional and modern at the same time. However, English “gastronomy” is rather special! Obviously, the English teatime is better than French one.

I have already been to England as an exchange student.  It was only for one week, yet my host family considered me as part of the family. Actually, it seems to me that English families are closer to each other there than in other countries, despite not eating together at every meal... Nevertheless, they succeed in spending a lot of time together. People in general were very welcoming.

I approve of the school system there. As far as I'm concerned, I think uniforms are a good idea since they avoid discrimination.

Si je pouvais vivre à l'étranger au sein de l'Union Européenne, je choisirais l'Angleterre. D'après moi, la culture anglaise est intéressante et assez originale, même excentrique parfois, ce qui apporte un souffle d'air frais...

De plus le pays a plusieurs visages. Il est traditionel et moderne à la fois. Cependant, la gastronomie anglaise est assez spéciale ! Évidement, le thé anglais est meilleur que le goûter français.

J'y suis déjà allée pour un échange. C'était seulement pour une semaine. Pourtant, ma famille d’accueil m'a considérée comme un membre de la famille. En fait, il me semble que les familles anglaises sont plus proches que dans d'autres pays, bien qu'ils ne mangent pas tout le temps ensemble. Néanmoins, ils réussissent à passer beaucoup de temps en famille. Les personnes que j'ai rencontré étaient très accueillantes.

En outre, j'approuve leur système scolaire. Je pense que c'est une bonne idée pour éviter toute discrimination.