Celebrations of Europe day - 9 may 2006

MEMO/06/189

Brussels, 5 May 2006

The 9th May celebrations of this year are undertaken under the umbrella of Plan D for Democracy - Dialogue - Debate. Since the first Europe Day in 1986, organised following a decision of the European Council meeting in Milan in June 1985, the 9 May has developed beyond a mere celebration of Robert Schuman's declaration of May 1950. Europe Day gradually became an opportunity for European citizens to mark a belonging to Europe and European values.

Brussels will see the opening of the Berlaymont building as an "open door day" to the public on the 6 May. This open door event, now a tradition in the Brussels calendar, will be a curtain raiser to the public of the 9th of May celebrations. It should also be noted that the Commission will witness an important change to its web identity with the introduction of the .eu domain name on the 9 May.

For the third year running, the EuropeAid Co-operation Office is organising a special initiative for the 9th May to raise young Europeans' awareness of the very important role played by the EU as a development partner and world's biggest aid donor. The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, will meet students from 3 Brussels schools and 66 speakers from the Commission (EuropeAid, DG Development, DG Relex and DG Humanitarian Aid) will take the debate to 34 regions around Europe. The main objective is to explain to European teenagers the added value of EU aid to improve living conditions of millions of people around the globe. In 68 schools, youngsters will be able to question the experts and argue for the kind of Europe they want to see on the world stage. The countries involved this year are Italy, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Spain, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, France and Great Britain.

As in previous years, the celebrations differ between Member States. However, one can clearly distinguish this year an increased focus on the “going local” aspect, i.e. events and activities being co-organised with regional and local authorities, and, in many cases, with the EUROPE DIRECT information relays.

AUSTRIA

9 May. Launch “Café Europe” in the presence of Chancellor Schüssel[1]. 9 May. An event co-organised by the Commission and the Federal President Fischer will host 300 students from all over the country. They will present their Europe projects and discuss European issues with the Federal President and former Commissioner Fischler. 9 May. The national winners of DG “Justice, Freedom and Security” poster competition “The EU and the rights of the Child” will be awarded their prizes at the premises of the Representation 11 May. President Barroso will address the “Bundesrat” (upper house of the Austrian Parliament) and have a discussion with the members of the main standing committee of the “Nationalrat” (lower house of the Austrian Parliament). The event will be broadcast live on TV. Schools will be invited to attend this event The Austrian EUROPE DIRECT information relays network will organise a series of events in co-operation with EUROPE DIRECT relays in Hungary and Slovakia such as information stands, quizzes, distribution of material, cross-border walks to meet people of neighbouring countries.

BELGIUM

6 May. Open day of the Berlaymont building with Vice-President Wallström, Vice-President Kallas, and Commissioner Michel. The event will include a demonstration by the European Circus School, various pop groups, simulations of intelligent cars, sniffer-dogs to fight drug trafficking. All DGs will be present to show citizens concrete and interesting results of various EU policies as well as success stories stemming from EU financial support.

CYPRUS

The Union of Cyprus Municipalities, with the support of the Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office, is organising at 18.00 simultaneous events at 15 municipalities on the occasion of Europe Day. The Mayor of each municipality and an Ambassador of an EU member state will deliver speeches at the events. Each municipality will invite local officials and organizations, as well as the public, to attend. 10 May .The European Institute of Cyprus, with the support of the Representation of the European Commission and the European Parliament Information Office, is organising an all-day event in Nicosia on the occasion of the second anniversary of the accession of Cyprus to the EU and of Europe Day.

CZECH REPUBLIC

9 May. The “European School Net” organise a public event in a square in Prague nearby the Representation. A tent will be built where debates with pupils and students and local and/or national and/or European politicians will take place. Czech Prime Minister Mr Paroubek and Czech Members of the European Parliament will be present.

DENMARK

9 May. Several events will be organised in close co-operation with the EUROPE DIRECT information relays network in North and South Denmark, Central Jutland, Odense and Bornholm.

ESTONIA

5 May. Conference organised by the Estonian State Chancellery in cooperation with the Representation and the European Parliament Information Office. The main speakers will be Estonian Members of the European Parliament, followed by a debate about Estonia's priorities in the EU. Public events (concerts, quizzes, speeches) in five towns coordinated by EUROPE DIRECT information relays network. These are co-financed by the Representation and the European Parliament Information Office and benefits of a subsidy from the Estonian Government. 1-9 May. Europe week organised by EUROPE DIRECT information relays including exhibitions and presentations between 1 and 9 May 9 May the Estonian parliament will ratify the European constitution on 9 May.

FINLAND

9 May. Helsinki and capital region: public event in Esplanadi Park including plays for children, formal opening ceremonies with high-level speakers including Ms Lehtomäki, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, and various types of cultural programmes. 9 May. Tampere: event at the market square with the participation of Commissioner Rehn. European Parliament Information Office and the Representation will organise a Seminar on the Finnish Presidency and Future of the Union. They also organise a price contest of art for pupils and the best works will be exposed in Tampere and in Helsinki.

FRANCE

Paris:

9 May. Open doors at the Representation combined with two exhibitions: retrospective of 75 photos of the Austrian photographer Erich Lessing; “25 views on Europe”, exhibition of 25 young EU photographers. Presence of Commissioner Barrot. 9 May. Festive event at Trocadéro. Partnership with big enterprises like EDF, RATP, SNCF, Air France, La Poste: a special blue subway ticket “Fête l’Europe” is designed by French subway (RATP); a national stamp “Fête l’Europe” is produced by French national mail company (La Poste); Eurostar will display European colours from la Gare du Nord to London during 15 days; Air France offers vouchers for youngsters on European flights/destinations. 9 May. Night event is organised for Eramus students at “la Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie”. 9 May. A horse race will take place in the evening at Vincennes, a special price “Prix de la Journée de l’Europe” is awarded to the winner (broadcast on TF1 and Canal+). Movies in Paris and Strasbourg will display 25 films from the 25 EU countries 9 May. A “roller parade” in Paris is dedicated to Europe. 9 May. Choirs will sing the European anthem all over France. 9 May. The Eiffel Tower will display blue lights from, during 24 hours and Arc de Triomphe, National Parliament, Senate and Ministry of Foreign affairs as well.

GERMANY

Munich:

3 May. Opening of the Europe Week in Bavaria, opening by Minister for European and Federal Affairs. (Passau) 6 May. Europe Day of association Europa-Union Munich : information event “How can we benefit from Europe” on Munich’s main square organised with the City of Munich, the Bavarian State Government, Young Europeans and the European Movement Bavaria.

Berlin:

6-7 May. “Europe Precise”: family festivity and information events in co-operation with Kinder und Jugendfreizeitzentrum Wuhlheide (FEZ), a non profit youth organisation, with Berlin State Chancellery, the city of Berlin, the Member States Embassies, some cultural centres and NGOs. 6-7 May. “Path of visionaries” in cooperation with Berlin State Chancellery: 27 “Plaques of the Nations”, each presenting a quotation of a great European personality in co-operation with Member States Embassies. The plaques will be integrated into the sidewalk and remain there.

Potsdam:

9 May. “Europe of the Citizens”, discussion in Potsdam in cooperation with Brandenburg with Vice-President Verheugen and Mr Platzeck, Prime Minister of Brandenburg.

GREECE

9 May. Internet chat with schoolchildren

HUNGARY

6 May. Street festival, organised by the Representation with the European Parliament Information Office, in front of the new “European Union House” (joint office building). Two panel discussions will take place with Commissioner Kovács and Members of the European Parliament, followed by a discussion with citizens.

IRELAND

8-9 May. Event for children including cooperation with Member States which will include showcase national presentations, a lunchtime concert of classical music, an evening programme with a key note address delivered by the Prime Minister and festival of traditional European music to close the day. 10 May. Commissioner Fischer Boel will address the plenary of the Dáil (the lower house of the Irish Parliament). This is the first time that a Member of the Commission has been invited to address the plenary of the Dáil.

ITALY

Rome:

9 May. Ceremony to award the prize of the competition “L’Europa alla lavagna” at the Quirinale Palace. This competition addressed to high school and college students in Italy to create an internet site for the EU. Delegations from 15 Schools, between the 250 participating schools, will be invited in Rome by the President of Republic. In this occasion Mr Ciampi will address a speech on the future of Europe via the Rai Educational TV Channel to all the Italian students.. Vice-President Frattini and the two Italian Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament will be present. 9 May. Rome : Explora-Children's Museum : Europe day with exhibitions, games, entertainment and competitions for school children and families. Free entrance offered by the Representation in Italy of the European Commission

Riccione:

9 May. Vice President Wallström will participate to the Forum on “Youth and European Democracy” organised by the Representation in collaboration with the Region Emilia-Romagna and with the participation of 1000 students.

Milan:

9 May. Europe Day in collaboration with the European Parliament Information Office and the City authorities: Pop concert (7000 students) and reception (300 persons) with classical music concert.

LATVIA

1-9 May. European week with different events in Riga and the regions. The events are organised in partnership with the European Parliament Information Office, Government agencies and ministries and NGOs including European Movement, Youth Club.

LITHUANIA

EU maps in 9 counties of Lithuania (flat map of Europe that can be walked upon). EUROPE DIRECT information relays network will organise events in the places where maps will be put, in addition to other numerous separate events. 1-14 May. Outdoor billboard campaign advertising the EU and EUROPE DIRECT information relays network to take place in 10 cities. 6 May. Contribution to celebrations organised by the European Movement in Lithuania to take place in Panevėžys. 5-7 May. Contribution to celebrations – EU fair, street events, concerts - organised by the Vilnius Municipality, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other partners to take place in Vilnius.

LUXEMBOURG

6 May. A large musical spectacle in the new Philharmonic in Luxembourg-Kirchberg with information stands of the European institutions and Member States. Presence of Commissioner Reding, the Luxembourger Members of EP and Minister Schmit.

The Court of Justice will have open door the same day (tbc).

MALTA

9 May. Various public celebration events in Valletta: a seminar with the participation of about 1.000 students who participated in Spring Day activities. Food and drink stands with typical delicacies in Valletta (Republic Street) with the participation of all resident EU Embassies in Malta. The main street in Valletta is going to be decorated with all the flags of the member States and there is going to be the Police Band marching in Valletta with all the school children participating in the event walking behind them holding the MS flags.

THE NETHERLANDS

9 May. A debate between Members of the European and the Dutch Parliament and the general public on the future of Europe, EUROPE DIRECT information relays network will participate 9 May. Go Europe: a promotional event to underline the mobility of youngsters in which an information brochure will be distributed widely in the Netherlands, first copy will be presented to State Secretary for Education Mr Rutte (joint initiative of the Representation, EURES and Dutch agency for the Youth programme). One minutes for Europe : a schools contest being held in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague (school pupils are invited to visualise Europe in a short 1 minute movie or 1 square meter).

POLAND

“To Europe with love”: an event for Warsaw primary schools pupils (European games, drawings, street event with “European' flowers, candies etc., recording of a special radio programme with interviews on Europe with 7-9 year old kids) The ceremony of granting the annual European Pen award, for the journalists specializing in European issues. 9-14 May. International youth meetings “All different-all equal. Make the unity in diversity real” organised with Polish R. Schuman Foundation. 13 May. The Schuman Parade: a major, widely publicized event in Warsaw. Colourful, joyful parade of hundreds participants representing NGO's, School Clubs, various other civil society organizations, politicians, parliamentarians, journalists, artists, scholars etc. The parade is accompanied by various events, competitions including a big pop concert in the evening and the European Village with many attractions, information stands. The main organiser is the Polish Robert Schuman Foundation. Commissioner Hübner will join the parade.

PORTUGAL

8 May. Conference in Lisbon “Portugal and Europe – 20 years later”. President Barroso will participate as well as President of the Republic, Prime Minister of Portugal and several Members of the European and Portuguese Parliament, the Institute of Foreign and Strategic Studies and the Newspaper “Publico”. 11 May. Opening of exhibition “Portugal and the EU 20 years later” in Lisbon.

SLOVAKIA

10 May: Pop concert “CALL EUROPE” in Banska Bystrica”: 10.000 people are expected to participate in an open-air pop concert on the theme “Europe is just a phone away”.

SLOVENIA

8 May. Commissioner Potočnik meeting pupils of a Spring Day high school in Ljubljana. 8 May Opening of the Europe in School (initiative performed jointly by Slovenian organisations, Council of Europe, EP Information Office and EC Representation) exhibition in the premises of the National Assembly. 9 May. Europe in School initiative - final ceremony of this annual school contest which promotes European values with primary school pupils through a creativity contest (literary work, paintings, photography and internet). 30.000 pupils participated this year. The initiative is organised and supported by Slovenian organisations, Council of Europe, EP Information Office and EC Representation. 10 May. Public debate on the European perspective for the Western Balkans. Participation of NGO representatives from Slovenia and Western Balkans countries (organised by Slovenian Government and the EC Representation with participation of the EP Information Office). 11 May. Public debate on the future of European energy policy. Organised by the National Parliament in coordination with the Government, EP Information Office and EC Representation. 12 May. Public debate on the future of Europe in the National Assembly as a follow-up of the conference taking place in Brussels on 8 and 9 May.

SPAIN

Barcelona:

9 May. Award of the annual “European Project” Prize: a competition opened to schools throughout the Balearic Islands. 9 May. Europe Day concert organised by the European Movement in the “Palau de la Música” (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Madrid:

9 May. “Hablamos de Europa”. Communication campaign of the Spanish Government and the European Commission for the celebration of 20 years of presence of Spain in Europe in the presence of Commissioner Reding. Presence of Vice-President Verheugen to be confirmed. This will include inter alia: The Salvador de Madariaga Price The European flag in Plaça de Colon, in presence of Mayor of Madrid, the Foreign affairs minister, the European Parliament and the European movement Award Ceremony Euroscola 2006

SWEDEN

After work debates offered by EUROPE DIRECT relays in several Swedish cities (Åmål, Gothenburg, Luleå, Skövde, Halmstad, Karlstad and Malmö). Discussions with local politicians and members of the European Parliament. 5-12 May. Åmål: International Youth Conference with participants from Estonia, Latvia, Bulgaria, Italy and Sweden.

UNITED KINGDOM

Belfast:

Celebrations to be held first time in Londonderry. Official opening of EUROPE DIRECT information relay in Derry.

Cardiff:

8 May. Town Hall meeting on EU Research Policy at Cardiff University, followed by reception 9 May. Official launch and reception at the new EUROPE DIRECT information relay in Carmarthen

London:

8-12 May. Launch of EUROPE DIRECT information relays 12 May. Vice-President Wallström to participate in round table on “Europe and the media” with leading journalists at the London Press Club. Other events planned: an art exhibition “Eurovisions” depicting life in the new EU Member States, a conference on the White Paper on communication with representatives from across civil society, essay competition on Europe at Portsmouth University.

Edinburgh:

7-8 May. Youth Forum for Scottish schools “Our voice on Europe” co-hosted by the Representation and the Scottish Parliament.

[1] “Café Europe” is a Presidency initiative aiming at the presentation of a book on the “Story of Europe” to which authors from all 25 Member States have contributed. The book will be presented simultaneously in selected cafés in the capitals of the 25 Member States, with the support of the EC Representations.