Colloquium Highlights the Role of European Institutions in the New World Order

Lusófona University - Porto University Centre hosted a significant colloquium dedicated to the role of European Union institutions in the current context of accelerated political and technological transformation. The event featured prominent figures, including the European Ombudsperson, Teresa Anjinho, the European Commission Representative in Portugal, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, a delegate from the European Anti-Fraud Office, Juliano Franco, and Graça Canto Moniz, professor at Lusófona University - Porto University Centre.

The main objective of the colloquium was to bring citizens, particularly students from the European Union II Direct Popular Unit, closer to the structures and functions of European institutions. The importance of sound administration as a foundation for European citizenship was emphasised, highlighting the role of the Ombudsperson in monitoring public decisions and promoting transparency and administrative ethics.

During her address, the European Ombudsperson stressed that “we are currently living in a time of great uncertainty,” marked by rapid political and technological changes that create anxiety among both citizens and institutions. “It is essential that Europeans understand that there are bodies committed to the defence of their rights and to good governance,” she stated.

The colloquium also addressed the challenges posed by digitalisation and the mechanisms for controlling administrative activity within the European space, focusing on the role of so-called watchdogs. The active participation of students and the environment of open dialogue reinforced the central aim of the meeting: to make the European Union closer, more accessible, and understandable to its citizens.

The Director of the Faculty of Law and CEAD, Professor José de Faria Costa, was also present and underscored the relevance of European legal education in contemporary times, praising the initiative as an important step in building a more critical and participatory European citizenship.

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Photography
Catarina Machado

Coverage
Catarina Machado

Editing
Catarina Machado

News Article
Mariana Devezas