Romania at the Open Days at the European Parliament in Strasburg

Date: 2006-04-30

On April 30^th – May 1^st, the European Parliament in Strasburg organized the Open Days, with the theme: “The Future of Europe: Dialogue, Democracy, Debate” in cooperation with forty partners, among which the Romanian Information Centre in Brussels and the Permanent Representation of Romania to the Council of Europe.

The visitors had a chance to stroll around the building of the European Parliament in a specially organized circuit that included presentation stands of very diverse European actors: associations, organizations, political parties, countries, institutions.

An open debate on Europe’s future was held on Sunday, April 30^th, from 17.30, in the presence of MEP-s such as Joseph DAUL, Nathalie GRIESBECK, Catherine TRAUTMANN, Francis WURTZ, Rainer WIELAND and Jo LEINEN, among others.

Special guests of this event have been the Austrian Presidency of the EU, Spain and
Portugal celebrating their 20^th anniversary since joining the EU and Romania and Bulgaria as future members.

Romania’s stand was organized together by the Romanian Information Centre in Brussels, the Permanent Representation of Romania to the Council of Europe and the Romanian Tourism Office in Paris. It included a modern painting exhibition (in permanent show at the RIC in Brussels), a photo exhibition on Sibiu cultural capital of Europe in 2007 (courtesy of Arthis Romanian Belgian Culture House), an exhibition of traditional costumes and several multi media country presentations and tourism promotion video clips.

The staff of the Information Centre in Brussels was at hand with additional information and answering questions on topics as divers as the traditions and realities of a 22 million inhabitants European nation.

During the two days visitors could enjoy Romanian wine tasting and the exquisite performances of the folk dance ensemble Perinita, both being highly appreciated.

Thousands of people from the region and also visitors from across Europe stopped by the Romanian stand and exhibitions, the event contributing thus to further expand knowledge and understanding of Romania as future member state of the European Union.