Let's celebrate Europe in Latvia and Latvia in Europe!

Take note – story published 4 years ago

This year, Latvia celebrates 15 years since joining the European Union (EU) and on 9 May 2019, Europe Day is marked in Latvia and across Europe with numerous events planned in Rīga and other cities.

By tradition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with its partners is holding an Open Doors day on this date (Please be ready to show your ID upon arrival at the Foreign Ministry).

At 12.00, Europe Day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be opened by the Foreign Ministry’s Parliamentary Secretary, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica. Participants will be greeted with a musical performance by the Diplomatic Choir. 

As in previous years, birthday wishes to the EU in drawings by students from Jānis Cimze Gymnasium in Valka will be put on display in front of the ministry building, at Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 3.

Senior grade students will have the opportunity to test their knowledge and prove their erudition in Brain Games. A noteworthy number of participants – 64 – have applied for joining the games this year. 

Besides, the Open Day visitors will receive answers to their questions about the Foreign Service, its history and Latvia’s benefits from being an EU member for 15 years, as well as to explore business etiquette and rules for safe travel. Anyone visiting the Foreign Ministry will also be able to see the original of the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Latvia to the European Union.

At 14.00, participants are invited to an event on “Youth Travel: Experience Stories” run by the Young Media House pop-up studio. This will be an opportunity to find out how to prepare for a travel outside Latvia, how to avoid dangerous situations, how to travel safely, and on a low budget. Tips on that and other topics will be offered by an experienced traveller and founder of the Movement Spontaneous association, Matijs Babris, and an expert from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Consular Assistance Division, Sandra Salmiņa-Šuke.

The discussion and conversations will be moderated by the adventure promoter and YouTube blogger, Edgars Feščenko. Photographer Ritvars Stankevičs will offer practical tips on how to take the best pictures when travelling. Musical performance at the event will be provided by hiphopper Abra, who will share his travel experiences through music.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing its Europe Day event in cooperation with the resident embassies of the EU Member States and the Eastern Partnership countries in Riga, the European Commission Representation, the European Parliament Information Office in Latvia, and the organisers of “Brain Games” in Latvia.

As you might expect, the EU House in Rīga also has a program of events including a European Union quiz running through the day on May 9 (with an online version, too) and details of the various embassies, businesses and organizations throwing their doors open (some require attendance to be notified in advance) .

The German Embassy in Latvia is among those opening its doors - details at the embassy's Facebook page.

You can find more events on social media with the hashtags: #AtvērtasDurvis #AtvērtaPārvalde #EiropasDiena #LV15ES

There is also time to vote for your favorite Europe Day video from this selection produced by schools from across Latvia.

 

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