Georgia is celebrating its first Europe Day as a candidate of the European Union (EU) on Saturday, May 11, at the Expo Georgia exhibition center in Tbilisi.
Festivities and events have been taking place in Georgia to celebrate Europe Day since 2014. Head of Cooperation with the EU Delegation Nicholas Cendrowicz, who has been working with the European Commission for over 30 years, said that since Georgia was granted candidate status in December of 2023, there will be even bigger things to enjoy at this year’s celebration. Last year saw 10K people in attendance- the first time the event was held post-COVID-19, and they expect more people to be interested now that Georgia is progressing toward the EU.
“We have seen the incredible interest that the Georgian people have in the European Union and in joining, and this is an opportunity to learn a little bit about what that is and to meet the people who will make that happen,” says Cendrowicz. “We’re very clear in saying that Georgia’s culture is in the European Union, and that the people who come to the Europe Day events are future EU citizens.”
Europe Day will consist of various activities. There will be ambassadors from all the EU member states with embassies in Georgia, who will talk about what they do in the country, how they provide support, and their current projects. Cendrowicz says it’s not only the EU that supports Georgia, but the member states as a part of the ‘Team Europe’ approach. They will speak about their countries and what it meant for them to join the EU, in coordination with the European Investment Bank and the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia.
There will also be a spot for representatives from projects that have benefited from EU assistance by growing or building their businesses. Here, visitors will be able to speak to entrepreneurs and purchase items from small businesses. Cendrowicz tells us there will also be a new food yard called ‘Unique Georgian Taste.’ This spot will showcase the businesses that have benefitted from the EU’s assistance in the agro-food industry. They will have products and dishes that people can sample.
The day, however, is not only for adults. There will also be various activities for children, including a puppet show called ‘Luna and the Planet of Fireflies.’
Europe Day is a publicly observed holiday in Europe and the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczynski, says it’s much more than just a day of celebration.
“It is proof of the enormous success of the European project that began in 1950 with Robert Schuman’s Declaration that brought peace, democracy, and prosperity to all EU Member States. It is a day when we reflect on our common past and look forward to the future we want to build together,” stated Herczynski in a report. “This year the celebration in Tbilisi will underline that the doors to EU membership for Georgia – an EU candidate country – have finally been opened wide. Now it is up to the Georgians to walk through those doors by swiftly implementing the necessary reforms.”
The event will have themes throughout, one of them being the elections. Cendrowicz says there are elections throughout the European member countries next month, and Georgia’s own elections later this year. He notes there will be fun and educational talks related to this theme, and others.
Europe Day will host several celebrity guest speakers in panel talks moderated by journalist David Gorgiladze. A report regarding the event said the talks will cover many topics, and all will aim to promote a better understanding of the EU’s partnership with Georgia.
Concerning the recent rallies and protests against the ‘Foreign Agents’ law in Georgia, Cendrowicz says they anticipate seeing those who picture Western developments for Georgia.
“We have been moved by the protests in the streets, young people mainly, spontaneously saying they see their future in the EU,” Cendrowicz tells GEORGIA TODAY. “Europe Day will not be about those protests, but we’re hoping that those who say very clearly that ‘Our future is in the EU,’ can come and celebrate that with us.”
This event is free of charge. Most of the EU delegation and all the EU member states with embassies in Georgia will be in attendance. Businesses from the 130 active projects the EU currently has within the country will also be present. Cendrowicz highlights that the projects and businesses will not only be from those in Tbilisi, but from all around the country, so they can share their stories of how they got to where they are.
Europe Day is celebrated each year on May 9 to remember the political cooperation introduced between European countries in 1950. However, this year’s event is held on May 11 to allow for a higher attendance number. There are five pavilions and a courtyard at Expo Georgia, that will be arranged accordingly with all the activities and tables for the day. The event will run from 11:00 until 20:00.
Cendrowicz said the EU celebrated 20 years of the largest expansion of countries that joined in 2004 last week. It was a big moment for them to reflect on where they have come from, and where they are headed.
“We do hope and expect larger numbers this year than last. People are saying very clearly that this is where they want to go, maybe they will come to this show of the EU on Europe Day,” said Cendrowicz.
By Shelbi R. Ankiewicz
