Representatives from the PSD local branches of São Brás de Alportel, Vila Real de Santo António, Lagoa and Loulé travelled to Brussels between 7 and 9 September, at the invitation of MEP Hélder Sousa Silva. The visit included stops at the European Parliament and the Parlamentarium, with the aim of deepening knowledge about the functioning of community institutions, European decision-making mechanisms and the role of MEPs in representing citizens and territories.
The initiative brought together representatives from different Algarve municipalities and allowed direct contact with the functioning of European institutions, the activity developed in the European Parliament and the decision-making processes impacting territories. Participants followed topics related to European Union institutions and matters considered relevant to the Algarve, notably due to the influence of community policies and instruments on the economic, social and territorial development of the region.
The participation of representatives from four local branches allowed for the exchange of experiences about different realities and local challenges, seeking to strengthen coordination between political action at the municipal level and the European dimension. The visit also had a training and institutional proximity component, preparing local representatives for greater participation and monitoring of European issues relevant to the region.
According to the PSD, this type of initiative can help strengthen local structures' knowledge of European affairs and facilitate the monitoring of policies impacting the Algarve.
