Brussels – Stroll among the institutions of the European Union to celebrate Europe Day: On Saturday, May 4, it will be possible to visit the Parliament, the Commission, the Council but also the Central Bank, the Court of Auditors, the Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, and the Investment Bank. This is an opportunity to see the buildings that house the beating heart of the EU and breathe in the European spirit.
May 9 is Europe Day. The date is symbolic: on that day in 1950, the then French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, gave a speech in which the concept of Europe as an economic and, eventually, political union among the various European states appeared for the first time. The French minister’s words are remembered today as the “Schuman Declaration” and mark the beginning of the European integration process. Since 1985, May 9 has been Europe Day, and the EU has celebrated it by opening the doors of its institutions to citizens.
This year’s Europe Day comes one month before the next European elections (June 6-9), so visiting and finding out what the European Union does for its citizens will be even more important. Each institution has prepared a special program for visitors, ranging from explanations about the institution’s tasks to games for children. The highlights are definitely the visits to the European Parliament, European Commission, and European Council.
Visit to the European Parliament
On May 4, the Euro Chamber will open its doors to visitors in Brussels. A similar event has already been held on April 27 in Strasbourg, while in the (administrative) seat in Luxembourg, it will be on May 9. Citizens will have the opportunity to visit the hemicycle, meet politicians and group representatives, and learn what the Parliament does for them. All while walking through the beating heart of European democracy. The program includes the event’s start at 10:00 a.m. with a conclusion at 6:00 p.m. Visitors can access it anytime until 5:30 p.m.
The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Marc Angel, will open the day accompanied by the European Jazz Quartet conducted by Angelo Gregorio. The visit inside the EU Parliament is organized in a tour that will unveil its work on general issues (rights, security…) and, specifically, to find out what it has done in the 2019-2024 legislature. In the run-up to the elections, the pavilion reserved for political parties, which will share their ideals and values with citizens while providing various gadgets, will be particularly eye-catching. Several events will be organized, from debates on the role of women in politics to how one’s vote is decisive for the future of the EU.
Visit to the European Commission
Visiting hours at the Commission are also 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tour at the Berlaymont is intended to better explain to citizens the role of the European Commission and show the building in which many of the decisions that affect citizens’ lives are made.
The history of European integration from the Schuman Declaration to the present will be retraced at the Commission headquarters. A variety of games and activities for all ages are planned, as well as performances by artists and tastings of food from all over the Union. It will be possible to visit the meeting room on the 13th floor, where Chairwoman von der Leyen and the commissioners meet to discuss and make decisions in the College of Commissioners.
Visit to the European Council
The European Council prepared an exhibition ahead of Europe Day that will take visitors to explore all 27 member states without ever leaving Brussels. Interactive games and informational content on the tasks of the European Council have also been organized here.
Access for visitors will be provided from the Justus Lipsius building from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. For those who are not in Brussels but want to participate in the celebration of Europe, the European Council has created a playlist on Spotify to celebrate May 9 by listening to and singing songs from all over the Union.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
