The seventh event of the project “30 Years of Maastricht: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Europe” took place in Fort de France, Martinique (France), from May 11 to 14, 2025.

This meeting brought together over 60 participants, including European countries—Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Italy—as well as numerous local citizens from France. The event focused on the theme “Fighting Fake News and Manipulation in Our Democracy,” emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and critical thinking to safeguard democratic values.

The main objectives were to highlight the risks of misinformation, share effective strategies for identifying and counteracting fake news, and promote European citizenship through direct interaction and dialogue. Specific goals included fostering exchanges between European delegates and local community members, encouraging critical media literacy, and deepening participants' understanding of democracy and the legacy of the Maastricht Treaty.

Delegations participating included the Municipality of Moletai (Lithuania), Asociación Tiraboleiros (Spain), União das Freguesias de Foz do Sousa e Covelo (Portugal), Dimos Pileias Hortiatis (Greece), Local Council Tas Sliema (Malta), Obstina Mezdra (Bulgaria), Tumbarinos di Gavoi and Comune di Gallodoro (Italy), and Association La Didine (France).

The diverse group comprised teachers, students, civic leaders, political representatives, and members of local associations.