The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations stated that we, as European citizens of the Atlantic, “can never accept to be told there is only one way for Europe." The government official defended that the European project has managed to find appropriate responses to the challenges it faced in every historical moment. Currently, the exercise of active citizens is indispensable "as a way to continue building the Azores in the European continent."

Rodrigo Oliveira evoked Roberto Schuman, French minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the inspiring model of Jean Monet. In this regard, he stressed the innovative and bold character of the statement issued on May 9, 1950 as an example of "pragmatism, but also of boldness, courage and commitment to certain fundamental values, which must now be recovered and valued.”

"We want a united and supportive Europe. We all have the obligation to think, to reflect and to say what we want from Europe," said Rodrigo Oliveira. The government official spoke at an open lecture held at Capelas Vocational Training School, São Miguel, in the context of the celebrations of Europe Day.

For the Regional Under Secretary, "we can never reduce our participation in Europe to figures or statistics." According to him, "regions are much more than that; they are best assurance of diversity, solidarity and proximity between political power and European citizens."

Rodrigo Oliveira mentioned the important contribution provided by Outermost Regions to Europe in areas of policy, maritime sciences, biodiversity and sustainability of their development model and geostrategic positioning. The government official stressed that "the Azores bring diversity and projection to Europe not only for their geography, but also for their emigrant communities."

"The Azorean communities and their descendants are the projection of this European region in the world since they have maintained our customs, our traditions and our language in countries such as North America and Canada as well as in the context of increased trade relations between the European Union and the North American continent," said the government official.

"The Azores are not only an example to Europe in terms of regional cohesion and solidarity between the various islands of the Region, but also an example in terms of the good use of EU funds and implementation of European policies," defended the Regional Under Secretary. In this regard, he defended the importance of debate and civic participation in which "young people play a fundamental role since the construction of the future of Europe, the Autonomy of the Azores and of Democracy lies in their hands."