The DemForYou project begins with open classes in the European Studies degree program

The DemForYou - Democracy for You in the EU project, coordinated by the University of Coimbra and funded by the European Commission, commenced its activities during the 2024-2025 academic year within the framework of the bachelor degree in European Studies, located at the Department of History, European Studies, Archeology and Arts, at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Coimbra. The project kicked off with a first lecture on February 27, 2025, in the European Union Policies class. This session, entitled "Cross-border Cooperation: Promoting Regional Convergence in the European Union," was presented by Miguel Viegas from the University of Aveiro. The second lecture took place on March 24, 2025, via videoconference in the Seminar in European Studies class. It focused on "Social Perception, Parliaments, and Liquid Regionalism," led by Karina-Pasquariello Mariano from São Paulo State University. This lecture offered a comparative analysis of the roles of the European Parliament and ParlaSur, the parliament of Mercosur.

The first lecture contributed to reflections on the impact of cohesion policy, particularly the role of structural funds in driving economic growth and promoting convergence between cross-border regions.

In line with the project’s commitment to disseminating knowledge widely, some future lectures will be broadcast online and made accessible for remote participation by the academic community and civil society.

Over its three-year duration, the DemForYou project aims to integrate scientific research, pedagogical innovation, and training activities for both academic and non-academic audiences, fostering more informed, active, and participatory European citizenship.

The calendar of open classes and other activities will be published on the official DemForYou website in due course.