The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations invited young Azorean young people to become enthusiastic and to let themselves be "enthusiastically enchanted" by Europe and its values of humanism, while promoting their improvement.
 
Rui Bettencourt spoke in Ponta Delgada at the opening of the celebrations of Europe Day. He stressed that "Europe must be enchantment, modernity and future," highlighting the role of young people in this area.
 
"Europe is full of hope because young people are its future and, simultaneously, the purpose and the actors of this constant search for the construction of a Europe based on unity, peace and progress," the Regional Secretary said, stressing that young people will shape the Azores and Europe "throughout the 21st century."
 
"Today is, indeed, your moment," said Rui Bettencourt, who recalled the appeal to the "Union of Europeans" made by Robert Schuman 67 years ago. The government official conveyed his hope for the future of the European Union at a time when Europe "has some doubts but also hope for the future."
 
For Rui Bettencourt, we must "move on" because "Europe continues," despite the departure of Britain. According to him, there are "new forms of solidarity among the 27 member states."
 
The celebrations of Europe Day on São Miguel Island took place at the Academy of Arts of the Azores, involving the participation of nearly one hundred elementary school students of Ponta Delgada and Lagoa.
 
During the morning, young people had the opportunity to participate in seven workshops on topics such as cultural diversity in Europe, European costumes, countries and symbols of the European Union, organic farming, water in life or paintings. These activities were carried out by several partners who collaborated in this initiative promoted by the Regional Government.
 
The event also included the opening of two exhibitions, "Models and symbols in the art of dressing" and "Faces of the European Union," followed the performance of Beethoven's Ode to Joy and a cultural moment entitled "Europe in Colours."
 
The Europe Day celebrations will take place on Tuesday, May 9, on Corvo Island and will be attended by the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Affairs. He will open a mural painted by artist Daniel Eime under the initiative designated as "Corvo Citizen, Citizen of Europe."
 
This mural includes the faces of the Europeanist Jacques Delors and the oldest inhabitant of Corvo, José Mendonça Machado. The opening ceremony will include the participation of Corvo City Hall, Lira Corvense Philharmonic Band and Mouzinho da Silveira Basic and Secondary School.