Celebrating Three Decades of EU Membership of Austria, Finland and Sweden

In 1995, Austria, Finland and Sweden became members of the European Union. The accession resulted not only in a geographical enlargement of the Union, but was also a decisive moment in European integration at a time when Europe was redefining its identity.

Thirty years later, this anniversary invites both celebration and reflection. For Austria, Finland and Sweden, EU membership has been transformative – opening new opportunities for trade and cooperation, while also reshaping national politics and identities. At the same time, membership has required continuous dialogue on democracy, security, and Europe’s role in a rapidly changing world.

This seminar provides a moment to revisit the expectations and debates that surrounded accession in 1995, and to ask what lessons can be drawn for Europe today and in the future. Equally important, this anniversary is about the next generation in the EU and the accession countries – and why EU membership continues to matter.

Info: Panel discussion with Paul Schmidt (Austrian Society for European Politics), Markku Keinänen (Ambassador / Ret., Finland), Jakob Lewander (Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies) and Alice Cunha (Nova University of Lisbon). Moderated by Ana Paula Zacarias (Diplomatic Institute) and Sónia Ribeiro (Institute for Political Studies, Universidade Católica).

Info: Panel discussion with panelists from Panel I, Ukrainian students of Universidade Católica, as well as students who participated in a visit to Lviv / Ukraine. Moderated by Luís Loureiro de Amorim (Representation of the European Commission in Portugal).

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Catholic University of Portugal, Biblioteca Universitária João Paulo II, Sala de Exposições (2nd floor), Palma de Cima, Lisboa, Portugal

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