On 22 September 2025, the time had come: in the historic Peace Hall of Osnabrück’s town hall, the Ubbo-Emmius-Gymnasium Leer (UEG) received its recertification as a European School in Lower Saxony. With this, the UEG reaffirms its strong commitment to European values, cross-border learning, and intercultural education.
What does recertification mean?
The title “European School in Lower Saxony” is awarded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education. It recognizes schools that demonstrate a clearly developed European profile, for example through bilingual teaching, exchange programmes, or projects on democracy education.
With its successful recertification, the UEG underlines that it will continue to actively promote these core elements.
The ceremonial moment in Osnabrück
At the central ceremony in Osnabrück, the theme “Learning without borders, living values, strengthening Europe” was at the forefront.
Our delegation, represented by deputy headmaster Tom Lünnemann and the school’s European coordinator Frank Pauer, accepted the honour together with representatives of many other Europe-oriented schools.
The photos show, among others, Mr. Frank Pauer and Mr. Tom Lünnemann, who represented the UEG at the ceremony. They proudly hold the certificate in their hands; a visible sign of our continuous European orientation.
Why is this so important for the UEG?
- European values in everyday life
The school is actively committed to ensuring that students not only learn facts about European countries, but also experience and help shape European values such as democracy, tolerance, and solidarity. - Cross-border education
Exchange programmes, European partnerships, and joint projects with schools from other EU member states are firmly anchored in our school profile. This network strengthens understanding of other cultures and reflects our vision of “learning without borders.” - Long-term commitment
Recertification is not just an award, it is a mandate. With it, the UEG is committed to further deepening and shaping its European activities in the years to come.
A thank you to everyone involved
This success is the result of the joint efforts of the school leadership, teachers, student council, parents, and staff; a true community project. Without the dedication of many people who bring the European idea into our school life every day, this achievement would not have been possible.
Outlook
With the new certificate in hand, the UEG is well-equipped for the coming years as a European School. We look forward to future projects, new partnerships, and further opportunities to bring the European spirit to life; in lessons, on school trips, and in our everyday school life.
Congratulations to all of us, and here’s to new European horizons!