Welcoming the students, teachers and guests in the school auditorium, Headmistress Kerstin Sommer recalled that the impetus for the European idea goes back to the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schumann, who proposed in a speech on May 9, 1950, to create a production community for coal and steel. This resulted in the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, the cornerstone of today's European Union.

The importance of a united Europe is more important than ever in view of the war in Ukraine, the principal emphasized: "The war in Europe, so close, is frightening for all of us, the refugees need our help." Accordingly, a motto was also chosen for this year's Europe Day at the high school, where Ukrainian children and young people have also been learning for a few weeks: "United in diversity!" Kerstin Sommer: "With our Europe Day we set a sign for the project Europe!"

As in previous years, Mayor Professor Dr. Lothar Ungerer was welcomed as guest speaker. He spoke about the political values that symbolize Europe, especially the central motif of peace, which is above everything this year. He told the students about the May 8 commemoration at the Meeran cemetery. Many of the men who died or were killed in the war were very young, and soldiers are dying again today, he said, showing photos of the city of Cologne in 1945 and a Ukrainian city in 2022 - both destroyed.
He highlighted two fates that show the topicality of the places of war: Hermann Helmut Simon from Meeran, born in 1916, died in Mariupol on 03.03.1942; Albert Weber, born in 1923 and himself still a student, died in the Donets region (Kisseli) on 01.03.1942.

Using a graphic, the mayor went on to explain relationships and processes between states, at worst marked by hostility, violence, war/blockade, military build-up; at best sustained by integration, law, elections/voting, constitution/majority decisions - as happens within the European Union. "Despite many thoughtful words, I wish you and all of us much confidence," he ended his speech.

The Europe Day kick-off in the auditorium was framed by musical contributions from students as well as poems and thoughts on a peaceful and united Europe.
The following workshops focused on the political and cultural values of Europe, from getting to know the institution of Europe for grades 5 to 7 to the democracy project for grades 9 to 11.