The buildings that house the European institutions in Brussels were open to the public on Saturday, as part of the Festival of Europe. Around 30,000 visitors were able to visit the European Parliament and European Commission, and take part in diverse activities. The open day received 5,000 more visitors than 2014, the European Parliament press service revealed on Saturday. 65 years ago, on the 9th of May 1950, the French Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Schuman made his historic speech, during which he spoke in favour of a united Europe.
This year, the central theme was “The European year of development”.
At 10am, Sylvie Guillaume, the vice-president of the European Parliament, opened the day. He was joined by the Brussels Head Minister, Rudi Vervoort, and the Ixelles mayor Willy Decourty. “I am pleased that the public had the chance to see our institution, which is the voice of the European population. On the 9th of May, we celebrate a united Europe, despite the difficulties we are having dealing with the economic crisis”.
(Source: Belga)
