Europe goes to schools to give young people the right to vote

First conference “Europa Viva”, an initiative CMTV, morning PostNegócios, Record and Sábado magazine, in partnership with the Autonomous University of Lisbon, took place this week and featured Maria da Graça Carvalho, PSD MEP who will now lead the environment and energy portfolio. in the government of Montenegro – Socialist MEP Carlos Zorrinho and Professor Filipe Romao Vasconcelos, a specialist in international relations.

The purpose of these meetings, which include the participation of students participating in the EPAS – European Parliament Ambassador School program, is to give young people a voice and the opportunity to understand their rights as EU citizens, as well as learn about the decision-making process of MEPs in Strasbourg.

The conflict in Ukraine was one of the topics discussed by students in the Arraiolos school group at the Europa Viva conference, namely the consequences that this war could have and the role of the European Union in maintaining peace. An opportunity for young people to express their concerns in the face of an ever-changing Europe and realize that their voice can make a difference.

“Europa Viva”, a program that can be watched every Sunday at 11:30 on the channel CMTV.

Conferences all over the country

The Europa Viva conferences, which started in Arraiolos, will take place in different parts of the country, giving an opportunity to give voice to students and their concerns. The next conference is scheduled for April 12 at the Escola Secundária Quinta das Palmeiras in Covilha. These are: Escola Secundária Domingos Rebelo, in San Miguel, Azores (April 15); Escola Secundária Leal da Câmara in Sintra (19 April); Albufeira Poente School Group (April 26); European School of Vocational Education, Braga (3 May) and Francisco Franco High School, Funchal (10 May).

“Europe is crucial for young people”

How important is the youth vote in the European elections?
Portugal had a very low percentage of youth votes in 2019 and needs to improve. This is crucial for them. Young people are well aware that Europe is closely connected with their lives.

Do you think that one of the main concerns of young people is the war in Ukraine?
There is great concern about how we can continue and maintain what we have maintained in the past: peace. This concern was present in several issues of these young people, and they have reason to be concerned because it is not just about these two countries.

Will young people become more involved in European politics over time?
There was a period of decline, but I notice greater involvement of young people. Europe’s role in the pandemic, in the energy crisis, in the unconditional defense of Ukraine says a lot to young people, it says a lot to young Portuguese.