Highlights

© European Union

This year the Council's Open Day is on Saturday 7 May from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You will be able to explore its Justus Lipsius building, where the leaders and government ministers of the 27 Member States take decisions. As well as learning more about the activities of the European Council and the Council of the EU, you will get a chance to view a large-scale model of a solar-powered aircraft, taste some traditional delicacies or maybe even learn a traditional folk dance, whilst smaller visitors will have a room for their own activities.

The Open Day is held each year around the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, and the EU institutions in Brussels organise their open days in a joint "Festival of Europe".

The theme of this year's Open Day at the Council is energy and innovation. The key exhibit will therefore be a large-scale (8-meter wingspan) model of the solar-powered aircraft, calledSolar Impulse, which will soon become the first of its kind to make a round-the-world flight without using any fossil fuels. It is the first solar-powered airplane that is able to fly all night. Aviation and renewable energy enthusiasts will receive plenty of explanations.

An absolute must on the Open Day is the guided tour. Visitors will be able to see the meeting rooms where the ministers and leaders of the 27 EU countries decide on EU legislation and policies, whilst the corridors of the building feature an interesting collection of artefacts. The tours will be in Dutch, English, French and German.

More detailed information about the Council and the EU will be available at numerousinformation stands, distributing brochures and publications on various topics, such as Europe's foreign and security policy and the "area of freedom, security and justice".

In addition, you will be able to learn more about the activities of the European External Action Service, the European Central Bank, the European Investment Bank and many EU agencies that play an important role in the implementation of EU policies, such as the EU Satellite Centre and Frontex.

Children will have a room to themselves, where they will be able to do drawings and play. There will be two Hungarian pantomime artists to entertain them.

Hungary, which is currently chairing the Council of the EU, will present information about the country at an information stand and a dedicated exhibition. But that is not all: you will be able to join in a Hungarian traditional dance and taste a number of delicious Hungarian specialties, whilst the incoming Presidency, Poland, will be displaying an impressive apple-juice press serving visitors freshly pressed juice from genuine Polish apples!

After the pleasant tour and festivities visitors will be able to enjoy a complimentary refreshment at our cafeteria.

If you are not in Brussels that Saturday, don't hesitate to "visit" us instead on the Council Facebook page (www.facebook.com/eucouncil), where you will also find the European Council President, Herman Van Rompuy (www.facebook.com/hermanvanrompuy).

The General Secretariat of the Council looks forward to seeing you on Saturday 7 May!

More detailed information