Peripheral regions in the spotlight

Organiser

Municipality of Praia da Vitória (Azores)

Theme

The European Agricultural Days of Praia da Vitória play a very important role for the productive sector in the Azores. The 16th edition of the event takes place on 12 and 13 April. It offers space for debate, exchange of experience, best practices, novelties and innovations that can bring concrete gains in efficiency, effectiveness and income for the producers of the Azores. The round table of 13 April focuses on the present and future of the productive sector in the Azores in the context of the European elections.

Report

The event was attended by 80 persons, including farmers, association leaders, journalists from press, TV and radio and interested citizens. The public was very active.

Mr Lobo Xaviers' intervention focused on the cost on “no Europe” and rose awareness of topics close to citizen's everyday life. For example what Europe does for us regarding the social, cultural, and economic development, the ERASMUS project, the cohesion fund, the role of PAC in supporting agriculture. 

Mr Lobo Wavier also pointed out that we cannot take Europe and freedom for granted; Europe needs a continuous effort from the citizens and the EESC gives the opportunity to the civil society participation in the process since 1958!

As regards the upcoming elections, Mr Lobo Xavier explained the role of the European Parliament and underlined the importance of the June elections which - he said - will be among the most important since the European project started.

He also encouraged to go to vote and not to base the decision to vote on fake news and misconceptions that undermine our judgement.  

Mr Lobo Xavier also raised many questions to engage participants in a genuine dialogue: Are we going to lose the chance of participate in the debate and in the democratic process? Do we want to open the door to extremism?  Do we value what the EESC and the Organized Civil society does in promoting the European values and citizens welfare?
Answering to questions, Mr Lobo Xavier explained what the EESC does and how it has been improving citizens' voice.