Some Portuguese Goans among the Regional Councillors of the Portuguese Communities in Europe who attended a recent meeting in Lisbon.
Photo Credits: CRE CCP
LONDON
Lisbon hosted a significant gathering of the Regional Councillors of the Portuguese Communities in Europe (RCPCE) on March 20 and 21, at the Palácio das Necessidades, the historical seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The participants, consisting 30 of us elected Advisory Councillors from Europe, proposed and supported key initiatives to improve the lives of Portuguese citizens abroad.
These initiatives address many of the concerns of Portuguese Goans that I have collected and shared since our elections in November 2023.
Electronic voting abroad
Central among the deliberations presented was the groundbreaking proposal for implementing remote electronic voting for Portuguese citizens abroad. Recognising the technological advancements and the necessity to enhance democratic participation, the RCPCE proposed the immediate establishment of a dedicated working group within the Assembly of the Republic. This group's mission will be to develop a robust, transparent, and secure electronic voting system capable of being trialled promptly.
Highlighting the urgency, the councillors aim for this electronic piloting voting system to be operational in time for the upcoming Presidential Elections scheduled for January 2026. It is imperative that we utilise technology to bridge the democratic gap!
During discussions, I emphasised the importance of political inclusivity, urging bipartisan support, appealing to all political parties to recognise the initiative's potential for fostering greater electoral participation among the diaspora, regardless of whether parties have representation from emigrant constituencies.
Portuguese language education
Another key topic discussed at the Lisbon meeting was the enhancement of Portuguese language education abroad. This is particularly relevant to many Portuguese Goans who have lost the practice of Portuguese, an advantage for those living abroad to communicate in the fifth most spoken language.
The councillors unanimously advocated for the establishment of an internal working group within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This team would collaborate closely with the thematic commission of the Council of the Portuguese Communities (CPC), specifically targeting the Teaching of Portuguese Abroad, Culture, Community Associations, and Social Communication. Their objective is clear: boost enrolment numbers within the Portuguese Education Network (EPE) and significantly improve language education quality across diverse international contexts.
I advocated a dynamic approach, reflecting the changing demographic patterns of Portuguese communities across Europe. The proposal received enthusiastic backing, with councillors calling for broad participation from various organisations beyond those affiliated directly with Instituto Camões.
Portuguese retirees abroad
Additionally, we have expanded the Programa Regressar (Return Programme) to include Portuguese retirees living abroad. This expansion aims to promote a supportive return for retirees who wish to resettle in Portugal. This measure is about dignity and support, noting its potential to strengthen familial and cultural bonds, as well as contribute positively to local community cohesion and well-being in bringing our retirees to Portugal.
As deliberations concluded, the RCPCE members, led by our influential voices prepared to forward their comprehensive proposals to the Permanent Council and the Portuguese Government.
These policies are expected to significantly shape the future, particularly benefiting the vibrant Portuguese Goan community in the UK and Ireland. With historical ties to Portugal, Portuguese Goans stand to greatly benefit from enhanced democratic engagement, strengthened educational opportunities for younger generations, and supportive retirement options that acknowledge and value their unique cultural heritage and enduring connection to Portugal.
Council of Portuguese Communities
At present, I am a member of the Council of the Portuguese Communities (CPC) in the UK and Ireland. The Advisories to the Portuguese Consulates in the UK is a part of the CPC, which is the Portuguese government's advisory body for policies relating to emigration and Portuguese communities living abroad.
The CPC will raise issues and reduce hardships pertaining to any consulate work, and promote Portuguese culture heritage and language.
The CPC in the UK and Ireland aims to support the Portuguese-speaking and Portuguese nationals of all origins in various ways.
The CPC Councillors play a crucial role in supporting Portuguese residents in the UK and Ireland.
[The writer is a Portuguese advisory councillor of the UK and Ireland.]
