10/08/2026
YATA Norway at PAYS 2026 🇳🇴🤝🇵🇹
Two weeks ago, Ida Emilie Marakatt Lindseth and Kristina Kvist attended the Portuguese Atlantic Youth Seminar (PAYS), organized by YATA Portugal and the Comissão Portuguesa do Atlântico at Base Naval do Alfeite.
Over the course of one week, young professionals from across the transatlantic community came together in Portugal to discuss current and future challenges to Euro-Atlantic security, NATO, public diplomacy, and international cooperation 🌐
This year’s theme, «30 Years Reflecting Transatlantic Security,» explored how the transatlantic security landscape has evolved over the past three decades and how the Alliance can adapt to emerging challenges through stronger resilience, public diplomacy, innovation, and international cooperation.
Through expert lectures, panel discussions, and international working groups, participants exchanged perspectives on key transatlantic security challenges and collaborated across nationalities to develop practical policy recommendations. The working groups were led by experienced academics and practitioners, including Dr. Tiago André F. Lopes, providing participants with valuable opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and hands-on policy development.
Beyond the academic programme, PAYS also provided an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow YATA members, exchange experiences, and strengthen cooperation across the international YATA network.
This year’s edition was particularly special as PAYS celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of bringing young people together to discuss transatlantic security and cooperation. 🎉
A heartfelt thank you to President Francisco Nobre, Mariana M. André, Miguel Toscano, Janine Simão, Catarina Lourenço, Miguel Moreira, and Francisco Pena for your outstanding organisation, warm hospitality, and dedication throughout the week. Your hard work made the 30th edition of PAYS an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Muito obrigado, and we hope to see you again soon! 🇵🇹
InternationalSecurity