In one month, on 9 May, Estonia and Europe will once again celebrate Europe Day. Throughout the first week of May, events will be held in different parts of Estonia, culminating on 9 May with large open-air concerts in Tallinn and Narva. Today, voting opens for the European of the Year award, and the winner will be announced on 9 May.
The traditional Europe Day orienteering game for school classes will take place from 4 to 10 May this year and participants can test their knowledge in Tallinn, Narva, Tartu, Kohtla-Järve, Võru, Pärnu, Kuressaare and Valga. A €2000 travel cheque for a school class trip will be drawn between all participants.
On Europe Day, 9 May, embassies of EU member states, EU-related organisations, and Estonian public authorities will be present at Freedom Square from 12 p.m. to introduce their work and activities. Youngsters are welcome in the children and youth area, while the stage is filled with performers from Estonia and abroad.
The day culminates in Europe Day concerts in Tallinn and Narva. An-Marlen and Boipepperoni, Clicherik & Mäx and Lexsoul Dancemachine will perform at the concert organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn. After the concert, the party will continue in the Paavli Culture Factory with DJs from various European countries.
In Narva, celebrations will start with a family day at Stockholm Square. Ida-Viru Future Fair will be held at Narva College. A festival area will be open at Town Hall Square with musical performances by local youth bands. The concert will start with Narva City Symphony Orchestra together with Ott Lepland, and Tanja Mihhailova will perform and the beloved NOËP will take over in the second half of the evening. The Europe Day concerts in Narva and Tallinn will be broadcast by the Estonian Public Broadcasting. Concerts and other events are also held in other Estonian cities. Read more about the events on the Europe Day website http://www.euroopapäev.ee/en. All Europe Day events are accessible free of charge.
Today, voting opens for the European of the Year award. This year’s candidates are Evelyn Kaldoja, journalist and head of the foreign affairs editorial office of Postimees, Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Markus Villig, founder and CEO of Bolt. You can vote here.
The main organisers of Europe Day are the Government Office, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission Representation in Estonia.
Background
In a speech given in Paris on 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe that would make war between European nations unthinkable. He proposed the creation of a European institution to jointly manage coal and steel production. Less than a year later, a treaty establishing such an organisation was signed and the political integration of European countries could begin. Schuman’s proposal is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union, while 9 May is celebrated as Europe Day.
Additional information
Communication Department
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