On Saturday 9 May in Brussels and Luxembourg, the European Parliament and other EU institutions will 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.

The opening ceremony at 9.45 a.m. 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 (introduction by European Parliament Vice-President Ulrike Lunacek). 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 program.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Program of the Open Doors Day at the EP.