Celal Bayar Minority School Students represent Gümülcine at EPAS Junior Days 2026
Students from the Celal Bayar Minority Middle-High School of Gümülcine participated in the EPAS Junior Days 2026 event held on February 27–28 in Selanik, as part of the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) Programme.
The two-day gathering took place at Porto Palace Hotel and was organized by the European Parliament Office in Greece. It marked the first EPAS Junior Days event hosted in Greece.
Promoting EU Civic Education
The EPAS program, implemented by the European Parliament, aims to familiarize secondary school students with European Union institutions, democratic processes, and parliamentary procedures. Within the program, students serve as “Junior Ambassadors,” while teachers coordinate activities as “Senior Ambassadors.”
The Thessaloniki event brought together six schools from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace:
- 2nd General High School of Gümülcine
- Celal Bayar Minority Middle-High School of Gümülcine
- 4th General High School of İskeçe
- 5th General High School of Kavala
- 1st Vocational High School of Drama
- Doxato General High School of Drama
In total, 134 participants — including 107 students and 27 teachers — from 27 high schools across Central, Western, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace attended the event.
European Parliament Simulation
As part of the program, students acting as Junior Ambassadors took part in a European Parliament simulation exercise.
Participants were divided into five thematic committees and represented four different political groups. They drafted legislative proposals addressing current European Union issues, defended their positions in committee sessions and plenary debates, conducted negotiations, formed alliances, and voted on final resolutions.
Organizers said the simulation offered students practical insight into parliamentary procedures while enhancing skills in debate, negotiation, and teamwork.
Student Recognition
The school administration congratulated the Junior Ambassadors representing Celal Bayar Minority School — Kaan Yücel, Gamze Mahmut Ali, Afra Binbasi, and İmran Deli Ömer — for their performance and active participation during the event.
The initiative underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen civic education and youth engagement with European democratic institutions.
