Open Days of the European Institutions on 30 April 2005 in Brussels and on 8 May 2005 in Strasbourg

Constitution is big theme in the EU Open Days

The new European Constitution - subject of a crucial referendum in France at the end of May, and in the Netherlands a few days later - was central to the open days held in all the EU institutions on Saturday, 30 April.

In Brussels, a debate was held in the European Parliament Hemicycle involving Jo�lle Milquet, leader of the CDH party. MEPs Jean-Luc Dehaene (CD&V), former Belgian Prime Minister, Marianne Thyssen (CD&V), Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP-ED Group, and Frederika Brepoels (N-VA) were also present.

At the Commission, the Berlaymont Building was open to visitors for the first time since it was cleared of asbestos. Visitors with a head for heights were allowed to abseil down the outside of the 13-storey facade, and there was also a demonstration by the Belgian anti-terrorist force (including helicopters).

Other celebrations are being held all over Europe during the days around the anniversary on 9 May of the Schuman Declaration, which is also the 10th anniversary of Austria, Finland, and Sweden joining the Union.

In Strasbourg on Sunday 8 May, MEPs Joseph Daul (UMP - France) and Daniel Caspari (CDU - Germany) will take part in a debate involving school pupils from all 25 EU countries, and a class from Hiroshima: this weekend also marks the 50th anniversary of the end of hostilities in the Second World War.

Apart from the EPP-ED Group stand, the French UMP party will also have a stand campaigning for a "yes" vote in the May 29 French referendum.


Links to the institutions of the EU:

Open day 2005
European Parliament Open day 2005
European Council Open day 2005
European Commission Open day 2005
European Economic and Social Committee Open day 2005
Committee of the Regions Open day 2005

Links to:

European Union
European Parliament
European Council
European Commission
European Economic and Social Committee
Committee of the Regions

Court of Justice of the European Communities
European Ombudsman
European Data Protection Supervisor