Por Redaccion 
The Vélez-Málaga City Council continues to lay the groundwork to consolidate the municipality as one of the main hubs in the province of Málaga, through various projects and actions that are sowing the essential seeds for the development and progress of the capital of the Axarquía. In this regard, we have hosted the European Week at the provincial level, an event where around 150 high school students from IES Juan de la Cierva, Reyes Católicos, and San José School have participated in harmony, orchestrated by the Provincial Council of Málaga and with the collaboration of the Vélez-Málaga City Council. The event, held on this Friday, took place in the central Maria Zambrano Park, an ideal setting for a magnificent gathering of young people around the values that our continent represents.
The proposal was attended by the provincial deputy for European Resources, Sandra Extremera, supported by the mayor of the city, Jesús Lupiáñez, along with local government councilors. The institutional event included a prelude where students from educational centers participated in a rally, with the aim of increasing students’ knowledge about Europe through various fun activities that combine physical, skill, or intellectual activities. Subsequently, a student from each center read texts about peace from three pioneering European leaders who worked to realize the European Union project: Robert Schuman, Jean Monet, and Konrad Adenauer.
In this excellent atmosphere and setting of harmony, the mayor of the municipality, Jesús Lupiáñez, emphasized his «satisfaction and pride» for hosting the European Week in our environment, asserting that «our continent is not just Brussels, but all of us, the citizens, are part of this union,» and he appreciated «the fact that the Provincial Council has decided to start this European adventure thinking of Vélez-Málaga, I especially appreciate it.»
The educational value and focus of this initiative, as demonstrated by the participation of the 150 students, was praised by Lupiáñez, «because undoubtedly the strength that our young people give us is what can make us greater, in this Europe where every day we have to be more united, in a space not only economic, but of peace and coexistence,» and based on «a series of values that we must continue to promote to the rest of the world.» In this sense, the mayor emphasized that «it is they, our young people, who must continue on that path and defend the awareness of the European Union as citizens.»
The provincial deputy for European Resources, Sandra Extremera, highlighted in her speech the magnitude of the concept of Europe and the EU, which projects as «a common house with nearly 450 million people living in the 27 countries that form it.» This year marks the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the European Union.
Regarding the provincial entity’s work in this European path, she emphasized that the EU’s impetus has led to initiatives and projects «to beautify our cities, improve our roads, have high-speed trains, and improve the port and airport. Also, with EU funds, programs are carried out to promote tourism and new technologies, to promote training and employment, and to boost our companies,» the provincial official enumerated.
Vélez-Málaga, «European identity»
Extremera pointed out the «strong European identity» reflected in Vélez-Málaga, which she described as «an open and deeply European city, and an example that the best way to build Europe is from the local and regional level, in collusion between institutions and citizens.» She also urged to appreciate the impact of European funds, as «thanks to them, we are improving infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism, digitizing our municipalities, supporting our young people and entrepreneurs, improving training and job skills for unemployed people, and moving towards a greener, more inclusive, and more competitive Málaga.»
As a reference in this argument, she mentioned the European Information Center Europe Direct Málaga, a direct channel between the European Union and Malaga citizens and businesses to address doubts, disseminate opportunities, promote debate, and strengthen the sense of European belonging.
The event concluded with a clear European tone, as students unfurled a large European Union flag before playing the anthem symbolizing the EU, an excerpt from the prelude to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, ‘Ode to Joy.’
«From the Vélez-Málaga City Council, we must adhere to this unity that represents European values, we must continue to be strong and advocate for elements such as solidarity and peace,» concluded the Vélez mayor, expressing the municipal will to unite efforts in favor of common values.
FUENTE