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So, what role do you think civil society organisations, like Young European Leadership, play in assisting
you in your work as the EU Sherpa in the G8 and G20s? I think they can play a very useful
role; in particular the youth and young people of those organisations. Because we
tend, and I think it is only natural, given we are so much involved in these discussions
that we do not sometimes realize that there is a world out there. And so it's important
that civil society organisations and I think in particular young people because you know
the future depends on the young people. And in challenging times which we have today today's
young generations help. And I was part of the young generation. The challenges are opportunities also.
So it's very important and it's very helpful that civil society and in particular
young people they can assist us in this matter. There is a great push actually by
many young adults between 18 and 35 to get involved, to get their voice out there, to
talk to policy makers. What's your view on that? Well, I think I encourage them to do
that. I mean in a way that without being oblivious, i mean, to what is proper of a younger Generation
to give important and, how shall I say, engage their contributions. I think that that is
extremely important and necessary. And whatever we can do from our side to, how shall I say, to help, it's not
to help, but to share their concerns. We have to do it! And finally, what was your urge
to get involved in European politics. My own experience? Yes. Well, I am Portuguese. I
come from Portugal. And the adventure, if I can put it this way, of European integration,
was in particular for my generation, a national and a personal commitment. We changed the regime
in 1974. The Portuguese history turned in an important point with the end of what for some
was called its Empire. Europe became its priority. And we became Europeans, and an actor, and a participant
in building the European dream. That was a fantastic motivation. And I have been here
for long now. And I have not regretted it so far. And I think that those who work in
the European institutions and that their own critical and professional capacities must
have a minimum of commitment to the European project. This has a price as everything in
life as well. If you know what I mean. It is not completely free. Thank you
very much for the interview. Do you agree? I completely agree.