The Regional Director for European Affairs stated in Ponta Delgada that celebrating Europe Day "is more than evoking the past," emphasising that it "celebrates the relevance of the European project and prepares our future."
 
Célia Azevedo spoke during an information session on the European Union organised by the Emanuel Jorge Botelho Library at Canto da Maia Basic Education School, stressing that we should celebrate "what we are for Europe and within Europe."
 
For the Regional Director, this is "even more important" than remembering the event that allowed six States to sign the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community six years after that which was the bloodiest and deadliest of wars in Europe.
 
"The European Union, a project under continuous improvement, is a generational process that counts on the values and participation of young people as well as on the Azoreans and the Azores," said Célia Azevedo. She spoke before sixty 5th and 6th form students during an event held under the Europe Day celebrations at that school.
 
While addressing young students, the Regional Director explained the functioning of European institutions and bodies, highlighting how the Azores are integrated into the European project and where and how they are represented to defend their interests.
 
Moreover, the Regional Director recalled the training, mobility and project development opportunities created within the European Union, raising the awareness of young people for the interest and importance of these European experiences.
 
"It is essential to seize these opportunities for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of our Region," the Regional Director said, stressing that by "empowering ourselves with skills and knowledge, we will be certainly among the best in Europe."