Portugal’s contribution draws on the country’s peaceful democratic transition and the end of its colonial empire. Through engaging with historical archives, testimonies and memory practices, participants explore both dominant and marginalised narratives of Portugal’s recent past—from resistance to dictatorship and struggles for rights to the complex legacies of colonialism and post-colonial migration.

By linking these historical experiences to contemporary challenges such as structural racism, social exclusion and the rise of far-right narratives, the Portuguese Local Path uses a participatory approach known as “unarchiving democracy”. Archives become living civic spaces for dialogue and reflection, encouraging participants to see democracy as a shared, ongoing responsibility rather than a closed chapter of history.

The Austrian local path traces how the country rebuilt its institutions, confronted the legacy of National Socialism, and gradually anchored itself in the European community. It shows democracy not as a given, but as the result of sustained effort, societal learning, and persistent civic commitment — a heritage and responsibility passed on to the next generations.

The FREI international event in Rome offered a rare chance to explore how Europe’s past continues to shape its present. Over three days, participants walked the very sites where resistance once unfolded, listened to scholars and young Europeans reflect on democracy today, and met Luciana—a 95-year-old former partisan whose story brought history to life with extraordinary emotional force. Through dialogue, shared experiences and intergenerational encounters, the event revealed how the legacy of resistance and the project of European integration remain deeply connected, reminding us that Europe’s democratic values must be actively renewed by each generation.

Young participants in Rome explored how the legacy of the Italian Resistance connects to today’s challenges for democracy and European integration. Through historical insights, witness testimony, and an engaging World Café workshop, they examined propaganda past and present — and reflected on how Europe can continue to protect freedom and the rule of law.

Percorso locale italiano: salvaguardare la democrazia attraverso la comprensione critica delle informazioni

Romania’s democratic transformation has brought progress — but many Roma youth still face discrimination and limited opportunities. By expanding access to education and amplifying their voices, the Romanian Path supports equality and strengthens democracy for all.