The Domingos Rebelo High School in Ponta Delgada, Azores, held another “Europa Viva” conference, attended by more than 300 young people. The Azores is an archipelago and therefore poses additional challenges. Young Azoreans asked several questions about this feature to MEP Vania Neto from the PSD and Professor Filipe Vasconcelos from the Autonomous University of Lisbon. This was the third Europa Viva conference, organized by CMTV, CM, Jornal de Negócios, Record and Sábado magazine in partnership with the Autonomous University of Lisbon. Hundreds of young people closely followed the performances and cleared all their doubts. Many will be voting for the first time in the European elections on June 9, and everyone was aware of the importance of exercising their right to vote without hiding their emotions. The aim of these conferences, attended by students participating in the EPAS – European Parliament Ambassador School programme, is to give young people the opportunity to understand their rights as EU citizens and learn about the decision-making process of MEPs. From the rise of far-right parties in Europe to climate change, including the armed conflict in Ukraine, many topics were discussed and some concerns were shared.
VANIYA NETO
PSD MEP
He has just arrived at the European Parliament. How are you?
Everything is going very well! I have learned a lot and am very happy that I can represent my country in parliament. I am focused on promoting the call to vote in the European elections, especially among young people.
Do you think young people are involved in European politics?
At the conference I attended, it was clear that young people are very interested in Europe, although they often say that they are not interested in politics and do not understand the impact it has on their lives. Democracy will be stronger the stronger the participation of citizens.