«I hope we can keep the debate worthy of our ambition: to live in a fairer, more dignified and more developed country, in a Europe that is more cohesive, stronger and at peace with itself and with the world,» said José Soares dos Santos, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, as the conference drew to a close.
In the speech that brought proceedings to an end, he recalled the resistance, doubts, obstacles, crises and scepticism that the European project has had to face, and which have nonetheless made it possible to create a «unique democratic space». He also spoke about the challenges facing Europe today.
But «one thing is absolutely certain», he stressed. «No matter how many crises and threats it faces, Europe is still a continent full of opportunity», and «Portugal, thanks to its geographical position and the excellence of its human capital, has enormous potential that must urgently be developed for the sake of future generations».
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Conferences that bring together leading national and international experts on topics ranging from ethics to issues, from women to young people, from social security to ageing, from economics to science and the universe.