Open door day of the European Institutions in Brussels

Every year the open door day of the European institutions in Brussels offers the perfect opportunity for the European Movement Belgium to celebrate Europe Day and to come in contact with thousands of European visitors. The most important goal for the EMB at this day is to inform the many visitors about the European Movement, its ideas and its actions, but also to share ideas and thoughts about the EU with the public.

This year the EMB presented a wide range of activities which offered a playful and original way to communicate with the visitors about Europe. A huge banner was placed on the wall, on which people could write down expressions, ideas, jokes, doubts or thoughts about Europe. A collage of Polaroid pictures was made from visitors all over Europe. For the smallest visitors there was the possibility to let their faces paint in the colours of one of the flags of the EU. And a big quiz in cooperation with Mini-Europe made hundreds of people try to get one of the prizes that the EMB gave away. Throughout all these activities a big team of volunteers approached people and talked with them about their ideas, their wishes for Europe. The general enthusiasm and curious attitude from the people towards Europe, towards the European Movement and the activities, was remarkable and encouraging.

Also on the 5th of May, the European Movement Belgium organised a big European Debate Contest between students from Flemish high schools. This debate contest was the first edition of a brand new activity of the EMB, and was a real success. The contest meant an interactive and playful way for young pupils to participate at the festivities for 50 years of European Integration. Moreover it was also an event meant to involve students from all over the country, reaching even the smallest places, far away from the capital. After a formation, given by the European Movement, the 50 students all came down to Brussels for the big final contest in the European Parliament, during the open door day. The students debated about the European agriculture politics, about a European army, the advantages and disadvantages of a common migration policy, Turkey and the EU, etc. They even had to pretend to be Barroso and make a speech to relaunch the negotiations on the European Constitution. The members of the jury were Anne van Lancker (MEP), Ivo Belet (MEP), Lieven Tack (cabinet of Minister Bourgeois) and Patrick van den Bossche (secretary-general EMB). The debate was moderated by journalist Elisabeth Lannoo. “We’ve seen a lot of talented people today who are all potential new MEP’s”, the jury said afterwards. The sharpness and originality was indeed notable during the debates. Again a proof that European subjects can interest young people.

‘Can Turkey join the EU?’ but also ‘Sing us a song that was once in the Eurovision Song Contest’. The EMB asked some Europeans to answer some questions and filmed it. To watch some of the fragments, go to the 'webmaton' on: http://ebb.magusine.net/?lang=en.

For pictures from the Europe Day and for more information about the European Movement Belgium you can visit: www.mouvement-europeen.be / www.europese-beweging.be.

Lin Vanwayenbergh, European Movement Belgium