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Maastricht Treaty - EU citizenship: Local event in Sueca

Writer's picture: Tessy MelidiTessy Melidi

Updated: Dec 6, 2024



As part of a training and employment program, students gathered at the Llaurí Town Hall to discuss the Maastricht Treaty. The event was attended by the mayor, the coordinator of the CERV project, and was streamed live to Portuguese partners, expanding the reach and participation.

The mayor of Llaurí opened the meeting by welcoming all participants. In her speech, the mayor highlighted the historical importance of the Maastricht Treaty, noting its most significant milestones and achievements. "This treaty not only marked the beginning of a new era for the European Union but has also been fundamental in consolidating the rights and freedoms of European citizens," she said.

Next, the coordinator of the CERV project gave a detailed presentation on the Maastricht Treaty. The presentation focused especially on the rights acquired by European citizens following the signing of the treaty in 1992.

The coordinator explained how the Maastricht Treaty not only laid the foundations for economic and monetary union but also reinforced the rights of European citizens, including the right to move and reside freely in any EU member country and the right to vote and run in municipal and European Parliament elections in any member state, regardless of nationality.

To illustrate the impact of these rights, Mihaela, a Romanian citizen who has been living in Spain for 20 years, was invited to share her story. She recounted how, due to personal problems, she had to leave her country and arrived in Spain by bus with her six-year-old daughter. In her early years in Spain, she faced significant difficulties as she was not granted a work permit nor could she process family reunification. As a result, her daughter had to return to Hungary until, after several years, Mihaela managed to regularize her work situation and reunite with her family.

During the meeting, a live streaming connection was established with Portuguese project partners. Mihaela also shared her experience with the Portuguese audience, who had the opportunity to ask her questions directly, enriching the discussion and exchange of experiences.

From Portugal, a Greek citizen who has been living in Portugal for many years shared his experience as a European citizen, emphasizing the importance of the free movement of people, one of the fundamental rights established by the Maastricht Treaty. His testimony reinforced the positive impact of these rights on the lives of European citizens.

Throughout the meeting, students of the training and employment program actively participated by asking questions and sharing their opinions on the topics discussed. The interaction between participants and speakers, both in Llaurí and in Portugal, enriched the debate and provided a deeper understanding of the relevance of the Maastricht Treaty in the daily lives of European citizens.

The meeting was a success, providing students with a deeper understanding of the Maastricht Treaty and the rights it has guaranteed to European citizens. The live connection with Portugal and the shared testimonies highlighted the importance of the free movement of people and demonstrated how these rights have significantly improved the lives of many citizens. Events like this are essential for fostering an informed and engaged European citizenship.





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