A stronger Europe in the future can only be stronger if it is prepared today. The conclusion is shared by Tiago Antunes (State Secretary for European Affairs), Anna Lührman (German State Secretary for European Affairs and Climate) and Laurence Boone (French State Secretary for European Affairs). Together at the Summer CEmp (the summer school of the European Commission, which started last Wednesday and ends on Saturday) in Ponte da Barca, Viana do Castelo, the leaders discussed the future of the European project and the Union.
But preparing the European Union (EU) for the challenges of the future does not mean changing the constitutional treaties of the institution. Laurence Boone disagrees with the idea, even: “We are building the Union of the future. It is not by changing treaties that this will happen.”.
So what should the emphasis be on? More unity and cohesion in certain themes, such as migration or energy policy. Funding and instruments available to young people, as well as the reconstruction of Ukraine, should also be taken into account.a fundamental element of the continent’s security”. Hours before the session in Ponte da Barca, the three responsible for European Affairs signed a joint article on the future of the EU and its priorities.
And later, in statements to journalists present in Ponte da Barca, the three reinforced an idea that was transversal to many of the sessions that have taken place since the beginning of the event: next year’s Europeans are of extreme importance for the future of the project. Anna Lührmann believes that “the EU must assert itself in the task of tackling the climate crisis, that it must have a pro-European Parliament that, progressive, who knows that challenges can only be faced together” – something Tiago Antunes agrees with, stating that “populism and its growth in different parts of Europe pose a risk to the European project”. right, who will use the energy transition as an argument against Europe. Given the scale of the climate crisis, we cannot allow this,” said Laurence Boone.
Harvest to open, funds to close
But for Europe and the future of the European project, the day started early. At Quinta da Boavista, after a 15 minute walk along the ecovia next to the river Lima, the 40 young participants and other members of the Summer CEmp harvested in the typical way of the region.
Then followed the morning sessions, next to the chickens and cats that roamed, indifferent to all the device that invaded the space, owned by Teresa Coutinho. And after so much Europe, lunch arrived. As a picnic and under the shade of the trees (because the heat was intense), the participants of the Summer CEmp ate with local promoters, sharing experiences and stories.
The day ended at Praça da República in Vila Minho, where, after a performance by fado singer Kátia Guerreiro and bagpiper Luís Rosa, the participants listened to Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, in sunset style.
This Friday, the day will be spent outside the village: it will begin in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, followed by a visit to Castelo do Lindoso, where the sunset will be led by Mariana Vieira da Silva, Minister of the Presidency. On Saturday, Augusto Santos Silva, President of the Assembly of the Republic, will speak in a session on youth participation in a mature democracy.
DN traveled at the invitation of the Portuguese Representation of the European Commission.
Source: DN
