My interest in Europe and the EU in particular was awakened during the early years when I was involved in EU-funded integration projects and exchange programs and study trips to various European countries. Questions about how the EU affects their member countries and its citizens are the ones that interest me the most. I want to increase understanding, but also knowledge among citizens about how the EU works, but also how membership affects their daily lives. An important part is about building trust and prevent splits within a Europe that had to endure years of crisis. To increase understanding, but also knowledge concerning European issues, is to me effective means to counter further negative forces, and something that I have the privilege to be active and involved in, but also responsible for that such EU-funded projects are implemented. I frequently visit schools and communities to increase the understanding and knowledge especially among students and young people about European issues. For example, I work with EU-education in schools, how the labor market looks like or basically what characterizes the daily life of EU citizens in different countries. More specifically, I have, in collaboration with the region's colleges and universities, where we annually organizes the European Day of Languages, when international exchange students are given the opportunity to visit schools in the region. The day aims to encourage more young people and students to choose to study at college or University abroad, but also interest in other European countries and languages. These days, the language has now been established, and year after year, we are faced now by the inquisitive and interested students who long after they themselves should be able to travel in Europe, like the visiting students. I am convinced that such Exchanges, between cultures and generations, are the best inspiration to get involved in EU issues. To make the leap from the world of school, I have also been involved in projects that facilitate the exchange of experience between European municipalities and organizations, mainly at the municipal/local or regional level. This has attracted the participants interest and understanding of that everything is probably not always best in their own country. Rather, we can all benefit and learn from each other.