The event, titled “The European Bridge: Three Shores, One Future”, brought together students, teachers, and volunteers from Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The aim was to promote active citizenship, critical thinking, and intercultural cooperation, providing a space for sharing and reflection on current challenges and the future of the European project.
The official opening session, held on October 27th at the Lagoa Congress Centre, was attended by the Mayor of Lagoa, Luís Encarnação, and Alfredo Sousa de Jesus, Director of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Portugal. Encarnação highlighted the importance of bringing young people closer to European institutions and strengthening their civic participation, emphasizing Lagoa's commitment as an Educating City. He also stressed the preservation of European values such as cooperation, solidarity, and respect for diversity.
Alfredo Sousa de Jesus underscored the role of young people in building the European project and the importance of their participation in decisions affecting the European Union. Throughout the four days, the program included debates on the digital age, collaborative construction activities led by the Northern Region Order of Engineers, cultural and sports initiatives in Ferragudo, and a final panel discussion with Members of the European Parliament.
The meeting provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of European institutions, confront different perspectives, and develop skills in dialogue, cooperation, and democratic participation. This initiative aligns with the Municipality of Lagoa's strategy of valuing new generations, reflected in the Municipal Strategic Youth Plan.
