CIDRA at the SPEED Seminar: Strengthening Europe–Africa Academic Cooperation

On 5 November 2025, Maria João Carapêto participated in the SPEED – Permanent Seminar on the State and Study of Law, held at NOVA School of Law. The seminar, an academic forum dedicated to exploring the intersection of Law and Society, provided an enriching platform for scholarly exchange and critical reflection.

During the session, enriched by the insightful commentary of Professor Felipe Pathé Duarte, Maria João Carapêto presented the CIDRA Network – Creating a Joint Infrastructure for Dialogue, Research, and Advocacy between Europe and Africa. The initiative, coordinated at NOVA School of Law by Professor Francisco Pereira Coutinho and co-financed by the European Union, aims to foster collaboration and strengthen integration between the two continents.

CIDRA in Numbers

• 🏛️ 13 universities

• 🌐 13 countries

• 👩‍🔬 53 researchers

CIDRA is developing a permanent platform for joint research, methodological exchange, and advocacy, enhancing cooperation within and between Africa and Europe. Beyond the figures, the seminar encouraged meaningful discussions on how academic networks can promote epistemic diversity and create partnerships based on equality and mutual respect.

Participants explored how to define the scope and objectives of transcontinental collaboration so that academic dialogue becomes more substantive and impactful. Particular attention was given to how Law and academic institutions, such as NOVA School of Law, can contribute to building critical mass in Europe–Africa relations — from migration and geopolitics to European financial frameworks.

The session concluded with appreciation for the SPEED community, Professor Felipe Pathé Duarte, Professor Francisco Pereira Coutinho, and the CIDRA team — Marília Conti Higa Emellin de Oliveira, Ariana Paraíso, and all project partners — whose work continues to drive the CIDRA initiative forward.

Stay tuned for upcoming CIDRA activities aimed at deepening Europe–Africa academic cooperation.