European Union law students from UMinho had a lecture on the functioning of the European Parliament on 1 April at 14h. The lecture was taught by the President of the Portuguese Association of European Law (APDE), distinguished lawyer and professor, Carlos Botelho Moniz.

In view of the proximity of the European elections scheduled for 26 May, this lecture dealt globally with the functioning and powers of the European Parliament, its historical evolution in the context of the European institutions, the electoral process every five years and the composition by different families, as well as how the European Parliament interacts with the other institutions, especially the European Commission.

The students had the opportunity to talk with the guest about the impact of the UK's departure (Brexit) in the European elections, as well as on issues related to the electoral process itself. Thematic issues of particular interest to young Europeans, such as the free movement and protection of personal data, were also discussed.

The initiative was coordinated by Professor Alessandra Silveira and is part of the cooperation protocol signed between APDE and CEDU of UMinho in 2013. The purpose of this protocol is to carry out joint actions in the area of ??promoting knowledge in European matters and such as raising awareness in particular of persons and entities whose background or activity are related to European themes.