On May 8, one day before Europe Day, an event was organized in Brussels. Visitors from all over Belgium and beyond had a chance to participate in Festival of Europe – Open day at the European institutions. Everyone could go in and see the European Commission, European Council/Council of the European Union, Committee of the Regions, European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Parliament.

Although the European Union organizes “open days” twice a year, once in August and once for Europe Day, this year is a kind of an exception. The Festival of Europe celebrates the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which was signed in 1950. Robert Schuman laid the foundations of European construction with the following words:

“Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity”.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the Open Day at the European institutions in Brussels is commemorating this milestone in European history and highlighting the European Union’s efforts in respect of peace, social progress, economic development and solidarity. This event gives European citizens an opportunity to discover the places where decisions are made which affect all the EU Member States.

The European Parliament was organizing various activities in and around its buildings: debates, shows, art exhibitions, etc. All the political groups – S&D, EPP, ALDE/ADLE, Greens/EFA, ECR, GUE/NGL – had their stands where potential voters could get brochures, promotional material, gift bags, and take part in interesting workshops and activities. Street performances were organized in front of the Parliament, including acrobats, tightrope walkers, bands, and numerous activities for the youngest ones.

Visitors at the European Council/Council of the European Union had a guided tour of the building with information stands in many different fields including its foreign and security policy, monetary policy and financing, and the area of freedom, security and justice. Aside from that, the organizers put on a “Green Car Initiative” simulation game. The young ones could also get their face painted and play quizzes to win a small prize.

At the Berlaymont building, the European Commission was promoting their work, including: fighting poverty and social exclusion, improving public health, protecting biodiversity, cooperating with the wider world, especially poor countries, research and technological innovation, preventing fraud and more. Visitors were offered to: find out about job and traineeship opportunities at the Commission; have a go at being an interpreter or translator; do a quiz on the EU; see inside the conference room where European Commissioners meet and take decisions.

And on the Berlaymont esplanade there was live rock and other music throughout the day, face-painting and games/competitions for children, stands by the HELP anti-smoking campaign, information for children on animal/pet welfare.

Hundreds of people had a chance to celebrate their unity and diversity, their belongingness and individuality. This was another successful Europe Day in Brussels.