The fifth event of the project “30 Years of Maastricht: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Europe” was held in Foz do Sousa e Covelo, Gondomar (Portugal), from February 6 to 9, 2025.
This meeting gathered more than 60 participants, including 15 visitors from eight European countries—Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Italy, and France—and numerous local citizens. The event centered on the theme “A European Digital Inclusion to Understand Our Future”, with a focus on digital literacy and civic engagement in the context of the legacy of the Maastricht Treaty.
The primary goals of the meeting were to promote digital literacy, share best practices, and strengthen European citizenship through exchange, dialogue, and local immersion. Key objectives included fostering direct participation between European delegates and local communities, acquiring and exchanging knowledge and experiences, and encouraging civic participation by showcasing digital inclusion strategies across Europe.
Participating delegations included: the Municipality of Moletai (Lithuania), Asociación Tiraboleiros (Spain), União das Freguesias de Foz do Sousa e Covelo (Portugal), Dimos Pileias Hortiatis (Greece), Local Council Tas Sliema (Malta), Obstina Mezdra (Bulgaria), Tumbarinos di Gavoi and Comune di Gallodoro (Italy), and Association La Didine (France). Participants included teachers, youth leaders, civil servants, political representatives, and students from vocational schools.
The program combined seminars, workshops, institutional visits, and cultural activities, offering a highly participatory and interactive experience:
Thursday 6 February:
- Arrival in Porto and check-in
- Welcome dinner and participant introductions
Friday 7 February:
- Official reception by local and European authorities, including Mr. Silvino Paiva (President of the host parish) and Mr. Saulius Jauneika (Mayor of Moletai)
- “Coffee Talk: How can we promote digital inclusion?” – partner presentations and exchange of best practices
- Visit to the Centro Social Parroquial and vocational training center
- Seminar: “Educating for the Digital Age: Promoting Digital Literacy in European Territories”
- Testimonies from students and teachers on digital transformation
Saturday 8 February:
- Workshop on Maastricht Treaty’s legacy through real case testimonies of European mobility participants
- Presentation of future project meetings (Italy and France)
- Cultural performances and visits to the Gondomar Filigree Museum and Porto’s historical center
- Evaluation session and closing dinner
Sunday 9 February:
The event successfully combined educational, civic, and cultural activities to promote digital literacy and European citizenship. Participants engaged in impactful workshops and seminars that explored the legacy of the Maastricht Treaty and practical strategies for digital inclusion, including intergenerational mentorship, mobile digital classrooms, and accessible tech guides. Direct interaction with local authorities and institutions, such as the Gondomar vocational school and municipal offices, fostered deeper understanding of democratic processes and local digital initiatives. Cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and visits to Porto’s historic sites enriched the experience and strengthened bonds among participants. Evaluation forms reflected high satisfaction with the event’s organization, thematic content, and hospitality. Dissemination efforts through social media, local press, and interviews ensured broad visibility, and contributions collected during the event will support the creation of the project’s final e-book.
It has deepened participants’ understanding of the social implications of the Maastricht Treaty and emphasized the importance of digital literacy as a pillar of modern European citizenship. The meeting reinforced the need for inclusive access to digital tools and skills and showcased successful local initiatives in Portugal and beyond.
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For more details on the activities carried out and the results of the initiative, click here.