9 May Europe Day celebrated with Enthusiasm in Ankara, a Europe Capital

9 May Europe Day celebrated with Enthusiasm in Ankara, a Europe Capital

9 May Europe Day was celebrated as a festival this year at Youth Park (Gençlik Parkı), Ankara, with the participation of Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Mr. Egemen Bagis, Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mr. Melih Gökçek, Secretary General for EU Affairs Ambassador Mr. Volkan Bozkır, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye Ambassador Mr. Marc Pierini, on behalf of EU Term Presidency Spanish Ambassador Mr. Joan Clos, EU member states' Embassies in Ankara, non-governmental organisations and a broad participation from public.

The festival began with the bicycle tour starting at the Parliament Park and ending at Youth Park. Cyclers passed through the Atatürk Boulevard decorated with Turkish and EU flags, and EUSG and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality logos. Mr. Minister, Mayor, Secretary General, some of the Ambassadors, sportsmen from Turkish Bicycle Federation and amateur bicycle clubs, employees from Secretary General for EU Affairs and Metropolitan Municipality and public pedalled together in order to show the dedication of Türkiye on the way to full membership and emphasize the continuation of the membership process. Pursuant to their arrival at the Youth Park, "EU Woodland" was created in the Park with the trees planted by the Minister Bağıþ, Mayor Gökçek, Secretary General Bozkır, Delegation of the EU to Türkiye and the EU member states' Embassies.

The puppet show called "The EU Lecture of Karagöz", organised by the EUSG within the framework of the EU Communication Strategy, was also performed the whole day for the kids. While some schools, conservatories, various amateur and professional groups was performing their music and dance shows, Minister, Mayor, Secretary General and Ambassadors visited the stands prepared by EU member states' Embassies and non-governmental organisations. Furthermore, 9 May National Lottery Tickets stamps and "first day envelopes" were launched with "Europe Day" theme and put on sale by Directorate General of National Lottery and Directorate General of Turkish Post (PTT). EU Embassies resident in Ankara found the opportunity to socialize with the public for the first time. The children also spent great time at the festival. Prized clay and sand painting competitions which were organised by the EU Delegation to Türkiye and balloons distributed by the Secretary General for EU Affairs were the most favoured by the kids.

Golden Bear awarded movie "Bal" (The Honey) and the short-movie "Neyse Halim Ciksin Falim" with the participation of their directors Semih Kaplanoglu and Zeynep Devrim Gursel respectively, were shown throughout the Europe Day.

Moreover, "9 May Europe Day Reception" was given by Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Mr. Egemen Bağıþ and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mr. Melih Gokcek. The concert of Ferhat Göçer at 19:30 aroused the interest of the public of Ankara in spite of rain. At the intermission, Bosphorus Bridge, illuminated with the colours of EU flag by the Delegation of EU to Türkiye, was displayed live in Ankara on the huge screens of Youth Park, too. Simultaneous fireworks in Ankara and İstanbul created a magnificent view accompanied with the European Anthem, 9th Symphony of Beethoven.

Interest shown to the festivities and the broad participation revealed the sincere desire and support of the Turkish public for the EU membership.

The last activity of 2010 Europe Day, is the "Encouragement Concert" to be held under the auspices of Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Mr. Egemen Bağıþ and Mrs. Beyhan Bagis on the 15th May at Cemal Reþit Rey Concert Hall, İstanbul.