European Parliament open days

USPA NEWS - On Saturday 2 May in Strasbourg and on Saturday 9 May in Brussels and Luxembourg, the European Parliament and other EU institutions open their doors to the general public in order to celebrate Europe Day in a fun and festive way for the whole family.

The events will mark the 65th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which is regarded as the key event in the creation of a united Europe. As well as commemorating this historic event, Europe Day is an opportunity to further promote transparency and encourage closer ties between the European Union and its citizens. The European institutions open their doors and give the citizens the chance to discover their daily work. The central theme of this 23rd edition of the Open Days will be the European Year for Development.

In Strasbourg the official opening of the Open Doors Day was the European Parliament Vice President Rainer Wieland. A public debate was be held in the chamber with MEPs on the theme of “˜European Year for Development 2015´. The visitors will be able to take a sign posted tour explaining the European Parliament's role and powers. In Brussels, Saturday 9 May, opening ceremony at 9.45 with European Parliament Vice-President Sylvie Guillaume, Minister-President of the Brussels Capital Region Rudi Vervoort and Mayor of Ixelles Willy Decourty.

At 11.00 there will be a debate with MEPs on “˜Empowering women and girls-dignity and development for all´, with the participation of Dr Denis Mukwege, winner of the 2014 Sakharov Prize, and Hauwa Ibrahim, winner of the 2005 Sakharov Prize. Mini-conferences on development, an inside tour with stands of the political groups and the administration of Parliament, a Development Village and a whole series of animations for the young and less young complete the programme. Finally, in Luxembourg European Village in the city centre and the Court of Justice will open its doors to the general public.