United We Stand

Author: Dorotea Petrova

Translated from Bulgarian by: Milena Bullock

Edited by: Simon Bullock

Europe is home to many people. Despite their origins, they are all united by a common idea – peace and happiness. Everyone who has adopted these virtues can call themselves a European. To me, Europe is not a place but a goal and, being part of the modern youth myself, I am working hard to achieve it. This requires faith. Faith that our world can be a better place.

In my dreams, Europe is strong, peaceful and, above all, united. People feel at home there; safe and carefree. In Dream Europe, you do not need to lock your front door, because there is no crime, and children play outside without any worries about their safety. There are no poor or homeless people, because everyone has a job and is secure. Everyone receives education and a chance for future development. Today we are closer to this goal than ever. Thanks to the European Union, we are all managing to overcome the difficulties in life and keep the smile on our faces. Everyone is welcome in it and is not left alone. People are equal. This is our future. This is our goal, this will be the goal for our children. All we need to do is to pass these values to the next generation and the road towards good will continue with dignity, like it has so far.

But now it is our turn to earn our place in Europe. Change starts in our hearts. Borders only exist in our minds. If we manage to overcome ourselves, we can overcome anything.

I come from a small but independent and progressive country. Although smaller in number, we Bulgarians managed to survive through the centuries. It is no coincidence that our country’s motto is ‘Unity makes strength’. This is why we are strong, and we are stronger as part of Europe. United we stand. United ahead to the future!