Dubai/Portugal, (Tahir Munir Tahir) __ A high-level meeting featuring representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Portuguese diplomatic services was held in Portugal, bringing together senior European officials and community stakeholders to discuss institutional engagement and career pathways within the European Union.

Among the distinguished participants was Shama Butt, a representative of the overseas Pakistani community in Portugal. Reflecting on the event, she described it as “a highly inspiring experience,” noting that it provided valuable insights into European institutions, career opportunities, and the chance to hear directly from key representatives and ambassadors.

The session featured prominent speakers, including Inês Nogueira Lete, Head of the Portuguese Language Translation Unit at the Court of Justice of the European Union; Inês Domingos, Secretary of State for European Affairs of Portugal; Alfredo Sousa de Jesus, representative of the European Parliament in Portugal; Fernando Frutuoso de Melo, former Director-General of the European Commission and former Head of the Civil House of the President of the Portuguese Republic; and Luís Loureiro Amorim, Deputy Head of Representation of the European Commission in Portugal.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on career opportunities within EU institutions. Representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, and Portuguese diplomatic services outlined the various professional pathways available for individuals aspiring to work within the European Union framework.

Participants were informed that candidates are generally required to hold the nationality of an EU Member State, possess at least a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, and demonstrate proficiency in a minimum of two official EU languages. Speakers also emphasized the importance of preparing for EU competitive examinations and provided guidance on internships and professional development opportunities within European institutions.

The meeting underscored the European Union’s commitment to fostering institutional awareness and encouraging qualified candidates to explore career prospects within its diverse and dynamic framework.