Book “pela nossa terra”

This book is part of an annual initiative launched by MEP José Manuel Fernandes on the European Union. It seeks to sensitize institutions and the population to specific themes that mark the EU calendar, in an approach that reconciles European and Portuguese regional dimensions, tracing the social panorama of two northern regions (Minho and Trás-os-Montes) and the organization of their parishes.

In this 9th edition, particular emphasis is given to the demographics of the European population and its cohesion policies. The work also identifies and contextualizes the functioning of the EU institutions and the universal rights of European citizens

It includes a 2019-2020 calendar that informs the Portuguese regional events that take place throughout the year, as well as the most relevant tourist spots in all municipalities, alongside daily quotes from European authors.

The book cover illustration was an essential aspect of the project as it needed to summarize the initiative and the themes of this edition. The concept sprung from the idea of cohesion between nations, a fundamental principle of the UE, and still very much relevant after the UK’s Brexit decision. Hence a circle made of infinite smaller dots coming together — representing the European population — as it’s a universal symbol for the notions of unity, wholeness, and potential. The EU is also portrayed, in a subtler way, by having the stars of the flag in a UV varnish finish.