Cyprus youth creating for Europe
Cypriot students have brought Europe to life through art, design, and culture, transforming creativity into active citizenship and engagement with Europe.
Children’s logo and Presidency calendar
Primary school pupils designed logos inspired by EU values and the vision of the Cyprus Presidency. The winning logo was featured on the official 2026 Presidency Calendar. Other distinguished artworks were also included throughout the calendar.
Secondary schools’ art exhibition – “Europe in Cyprus”
Students from gymnasiums, lyceums and technical schools created artworks exploring identity, history, and shared European values. Themes included Cypriot history, mythology and culture, as well as unity, dialogue and solidarity.
Both exhibitions were hosted at the Filoxenia Conference Centre during the informal meeting of ministers of Education.
The initiative encouraged creativity and artistic expression, strengthened European awareness and helped children to understand EU institutions in an engaging way. It also promoted reflection on their role as active European citizens.
Student-designed commemorative gifts
Technical and vocational students designed original gifts for official Presidency events. The selected projects include:
- A bronze bookmark inspired by Cyprus’ architectural heritage.
- “Make Your Own Pastelaki”: traditional sweet nut brittle prepared by hospitality students. This will be offered at the informal meeting of Environment and Climate ministers.
- A wooden figure called “I Choraïtissa” (meaning “the woman from the countryside”), which combines fashion and woodworking design. This will be offered at the meeting of directors-general for Vocational Education and Training.
- Handmade symbolic gifts by students from Special Schools. These will be offered at the informal meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, as well as at the meeting of directors-general for Schools.
The initiative successfully linked traditional crafts with the modern European identity. It showcased strong collaboration between students and teachers and emphasised the importance of inclusion and creativity.
Green Living Sculptures
Six eco-sculptures, created by agriculture and engineering students, were installed at the Presidential Palace and the Filoxenia Conference Centre.
This initiative promoted sustainability and environmental awareness, encouraging experiential learning through teamwork and showcasing creativity driven by green innovation.
Young people at the heart of the Presidency
These initiatives launched by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency, amplified the voice of young people and their participation. They also strengthened European identity and shared values, while promoting culture, education and creativity as pillars of Europe’s future. These actions empowered students to see themselves as active European citizens, placing young people at the heart of Europe.
Read more about the initiative.
