#EUmovers social media contest winners announced

2018 marked the 60th anniversary of EU rules on the coordination of social security systems and the 50th anniversary of the founding regulations on freedom of movement for workers. To celebrate these two milestones, the European Commission encouraged citizens who have benefited from these rights to share their stories on social media via the #EUmovers campaign.

Here are the five winners and their posts:

Juho-Pekka Palomaa (Finland)

A year ago, this time I was facing a life change that I wasn’t quite sure about what to expect. I had been unemployed for six months after my graduation when I suddenly got a call for Estonia. I had published my CV on EURES platform and maybe a month later I received an email notification saying that someone had viewed my profile and sent a message. It was a job offer to go to work in my neighbor country, Estonia. After the interview I decided to give it a go. I didn’t know much about the country nor the city itself besides the language sounds like Finnish, just funnier sounding. I got a lot of info material about moving to Estonia, and things seemed promising. Even though the pays are much lower it seemed that the country had really taken a digital leap for its citizen to make the best out of living. During my stay there, I got to meet locals over board game events, I took a free Estonian language course and got to know other expats, I visited a free family doctor, signed documents digitally and enjoyed free public transportation among a rich and old culture where people can speak English, Estonian, Finnish, and Russian. I’m no longer living in the city but it kept amazing me with its old history but new and high tech systems and convenience. The cherry on the top was to be part of Estonians celebrating their 100th independence this year. I can see a bright future ahead for a small nation!

Carola Bosio (Italy)

Hi! Yes, I think I am a EU moving addicted since I was 20 years old. At 20, I lived in Lille, France for a double degree university exchange that opened my mind irremediably! At 23, I lived in Milan to start my career! At 27, I lived in Madrid for 1 month just to have fun! Now I can lie saying that I speak Spanish.. At 28, I lived in Paris, France for love and work! There, I lost my "love" but I found two of my "friends for a life"! Ok ok... now I am 38 years old, one husband and two twins of 2years old... is it probably time to stop? NO! We moved to Ireland with our two small crazy children for a family European adventure! I work for an Irish University now and I brought all my family with me. I LOVE EUROPE.

Sheila Margaret Ward (UK)

Having studied Spanish and Portuguese at Leeds University in the sixties I embarked on a career teaching EFL. When the UK joined the EU, I was pleased because I had always believed in this idea. After teaching in the UK, Spain and other countries, I came to Portugal in 1980 to work at the British Council. After Portugal joined the EU, it made travelling back and forth so much easier without the customs restrictions. As a teacher of English, I have taught many students preparing for the Erasmus programme and been impressed by the opportunities it offers. Before retiring in 2010, I went to the Portuguese pensions office and filled in a form on which I had to state all the EU countries I had worked in. That was all. When I retired, I automatically started receiving my pension from Portugal, UK and Spain. It was all so efficient. I have now published three bilingual children’s books in Portugal and I devote my time to encouraging bilingualism. We Europeans have so much in common and learning other languages should be a priority in all school systems.

Filipa Rodrigues (Portugal)

I’m a daughter of Europe. I believe in a Europe without borders and where each cultural difference becomes a bridge between people...and these differences enrich us and make us understand better the world. My first travel in Europe was to Spain, the country next to my...Portugal. I was a child and I went with my family. The first travel with friends was to the UK, I was studying at high school. I experienced trainings in the UK and Greece. I did my Erasmus+ internship in UK. I had travel through Italy, Scotland, Switzerland, Spain (again)...and I’m planning to travel through many more. This year I decided to move to Ireland. Looked for a job at the EURES portal and, after found what I wanted, I had EURES support in all my relocation process to Ireland. Love this country...the history, the culture, the people, the nature... I was lucky that I grow in a united Europe, an Europe that give me opportunities every time I look for it. A Europe where I have my rights...where I feel safe. I am proud to be a daughter of Europe!

Chloé Jorigny-Casteuble (France)

Best video submission

I am Chloé, I’m 24 years old and I have been living in Belgium for a year. I currently work for the FPS Social Security and I’m working on Brexit :) I love travelling and I did several internships across the EU. I have travelled a lot in the course of my studies and my work.

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