NEWS
European Union Open House and Europe Week 2009
Washington, DC (March 24, 2009) – On May 9, 2009, the Embassies of the European Union (EU) and the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States will – in what has become an important annual event for Washington DC – open their doors to the Washington public, offering a rare look at the buildings and providing a unique opportunity to experience the diverse EU cultures. The EU Open House will also kick off Europe Week, which means seven days of Europe-related events all over the United States.
This year's EU Open House takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2009, from 10 am until 4 pm. Each Embassy will present its own activities and offer a rich and unique program featuring highlights from its culture, commerce, cuisine, and tourism along with entertainment for the whole family. This is the third year running that the 27 EU Member States and the European Commission Delegation have jointly organized an EU Open House to give the general public a rare look inside their Embassies and some of the Ambassadors' residences, many of which are amongst Washington’s most historic architectural treasures. The first year (2007), 35,000 visitors enjoyed the EU Open House. Last year, the number reached 50,000, and at least as many are expected on May 9 this year. The EU Open House demonstrates the EU's 'unity through diversity' by showcasing the range and richness of European society.
EU Open House is followed by Europe Week, a week long celebration of Europe across the United States with concerts, exhibitions, performances, and other activities presented by a wide range of consulates, universities, organizations and institutions. From fine art and photography to music and acting, Europe Week will offer an insight into European culture and society, from its rich artistic history to the latest works of its young artists.
May 9 is Europe Day, celebrated annually to mark the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which laid the basis for what today is the European Union.
The EU Open House's home on the web is at www.europe-in-dc.com.
For more information on the EU Open House and Europe Week, please contact Nora Jurkovicova of the Embassy of the Czech Republic at (202) 274–9114 or at
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or Mattias Sundholm of the Delegation of the European Commission at (202) 862 4720 or at
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