The European Commission and other European Union (EU) institutions are extending the celebration of Europe Day by opening their doors to the public on Saturday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
The open day commenced with an inauguration ceremony attended by European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, responsible for Equality and Crisis Management, and Thomas de Béthune, the European Commission’s representative in Belgium.
For a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Commission, visitors enjoyed various indoor and outdoor activities from 10:30, including seven themed zones.
The programme offered games, creative challenges, and tours of significant Commission sites, like the audiovisual studios. Attendees also had the chance to take a “virtual journey” into the meeting room where European Commissioners gather weekly.
The Commission emphasised, “Through these activities, you will discover how the Commission strives to build a democratic, social, prosperous, and sustainable EU—a secure and robust EU, ready to engage firmly on the international stage to realise Europe’s choice: unity.”
Besides, the public on the Esplanade could enjoy a programme full of entertainment for all ages. This included live performances by artists across the EU, such as an EU member state flag show by Alkuone, “a musical tour of Europe by the Ba Ya Trio,” and folk dances from Romania, Greece, Ireland, and Poland. Also, agricultural products from across the EU were available for tasting on the Esplanade.
