MEP Predrag Fred Matić is in Vukovar on the occasion of May 9, Europe Day, where he organized and participated in a series of events.

A round table with high school students from vukovar gymnasium and an open discussion in the European House Vukovar with great interest of young people are an indicator that Vukovar has a European future. MEP Matic points out: "Youth and representatives of the civil sector in Vukovar are a clear indication that there is a European dimension in this city and they are doing great things. Many European projects are implemented here, and the gymnasium and the European Home have brought a whole new dimension to the city. Vukovar has a chance to be a city of peace, tolerance and solidarity, but we should put war stories aside. With respect for all that we as Vukovar defenders have done for the city and piety for all the deceased and missing, but the young people in the city are the bearers of some new stories, new energy. They fully understand and advocate ideas through which the city would be profiled as one place of dialogue, coexistence and where the past will be a reason to merge, not separate." Vukovar Gymnasium is one of the most active schools in Croatia, and students of the school participated in 2022 in a project organized by Fred Matić on the occasion of the European Year of Youth. The project focused on advocating the Youth Center in Vukovar, which would provide young people with space for free and educational activities, for socializing, a safe place that young people could make their own. Fred Matić emphasizes: "I am sorry that the state authorities have not recognized this idea and that we have not yet managed to expose the opening of such a youth center. However, we will not give up and high school students have presented me with many good ideas, and Europe Day is an opportunity to start some of them. I am convinced that this generation of young people in Vukovar will do great things, not only for the city but also for our entire society." Representatives of youth, civil sector and associations dealing with women's rights participated in the debate at the European House Vukovar. The issue of nonviolence, a culture of peace and dialogue are some of the key values that MP Matić worked on during the past term and proudly points out: "My mandate has passed in the work for the protection and promotion of human rights and we have made really great strides here. Today we talked with our colleagues about how together we can do even more in these areas, and it is especially important for me to point out that Vukovar has amazing people in the civil sector. They are implementing great projects and I believe there will be opportunities for collaboration in the future. I am glad that today I somehow had the opportunity to start a new campaign for the European elections in Vukovar. It is a city that deserves to be a central place for Europe when we talk about solidarity, peace and tolerance. I will continue to work on that."