Praça da Liberdade, in Faro, hosted this Saturday the central event of the “Europe in my region” campaign in the Algarve, under the motto “In the Algarve, together we make our way”, bringing together more than 700 visitors throughout the day.
The initiative highlighted the impact of European funds on regional development through cultural, scientific, artistic and interactive activities that showcased projects supported by the European Union in the areas of education, health, culture, research and local economy.
The program began with a session attended by the president of Faro City Council, António Miguel Pina, the president of CCDR Algarve, José Apolinário, and the deputy head of mission of the Representation of the European Commission in Portugal, Luís Loureiro de Amorim.
Concerts, gastronomy and interactive experiences marked the event
The morning was marked by the performance of singer Aurea, who starred in one of the central moments of the event when she took to the stage with students from Escola Básica D. Dinis, in Quarteira, performing the theme “Volta”.
During the afternoon, chef Noélia Jerónimo led a showcooking session dedicated to Algarve gastronomy, reinforcing the connection between regional identity and the appreciation of local products.
The cultural closing was carried out by the Faro Folkloric Group, which presented a performance of the Algarvian corrido.
Throughout the day, visitors were also able to participate in virtual reality experiences, interactive quizzes, creative activities and scientific dynamics promoted by several projects co-financed by the European Union.
Officials highlight the impact of European funds in the region
The mayor of Faro, António Miguel Pina, said that “it is an immense honor for Faro to host the main event of the ‘Europe in My Region’ campaign”.
The mayor also highlighted that the projects presented “are vivid testimonies” of the progress achieved with European support, defending the importance of “constantly reminding our community of the tangible impact of these European projects”.
José Apolinário highlighted the “excellent projects that, with the support of European funds, directly benefit our region”, considering the partnership between municipalities, regions and the European Union to be fundamental to guarantee the development of the territory.
Luís Loureiro de Amorim also reinforced the importance of cooperation between regional and local entities, stating that “today’s examples in the Algarve, in education, culture, urban rehabilitation and health, demonstrate how we are building a more resilient future”.
Algarve is the fifth Portuguese region to join the initiative
It runs until May 21st and aims to give visibility to projects funded by the European Union that have a direct impact on local communities.
Since 2018, more than 80 initiatives have been promoted in 16 Member States of the European Union. The Algarve became the fifth Portuguese region to participate in this campaign, after Madeira, Norte, Azores and Alentejo.
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