Surprised faces of the delegates, flashing lights, TV cameras everywhere: that’s how the International Forum in Batumi started in the 5 star Sheraton Hotel. When everyone was already set and ready, the president of European Youth Parliament – Georgia Teo Lavrelashvili began her welcoming speech. She congratulated every delegate and official for being selected and talked about the organizational issues. She thanked everyone who helped in organizing the forum.

After a while Teona welcomed on the floor Georgian Deputy Prime-minister, State minister on European and Euro-atlantic integration Mr. Giorgi Baramidze who had quite a long and interesting speech about Georgia’s policy. He began speaking about countries priorities in foreign policy and the importance of Georgia for Europe. He promised that these priorities will never change and the main goal of becoming EU member will be reached.

EU membership is appreciated by the Georgian society», – Mr. Giorgi Baramidze stated

In his long speech he didn’t forget to speak about problems as well and touched social issues, unemployment and etc. He also emphasized the need of educated generation and thanked EYP Georgia for such a good work in this field.

We need citizens armed with education», – he added.

Among other important guests at the Opening were Minister of education of Adjara autonomous republic and the representative of the Ministry of Sport and Youth of Georgia. Speech made by the president of the session – Magda Świder was really interesting and energetic. It was full of the expressions that must be written in their origin.

EYP changes human lives

Next 5 days you will learn how to cooperate and reach the consensus

You will learn how to get fun

And the most creative quote from Magda’s speech:

I can only compare EYP with the sea of opportunities

The only things forum participants missed at the opening were Georgian and European anthems and (for some foreign participants) interpretation of Ms. Lavrelashvili’s welcoming speech.

BATUMAN-ISSUE 1