Spirit of European values penetrates Moldova, Dirk Schuebel

The Delegation of the European Union officially launched the large-scale events that will be organized in Moldova to celebrate Europe Day. Unlike the previous years, the events will take place not only in Chisinau, but also in Balti, Info-Prim Neo reports. “This year, we will organize two European small towns – one in Chisinau and another one in Balti. This initiative forms part of our strategy aimed at coming closer to the Moldovan people and bringing closer the spirit of the European values,” the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Dirk Schuebel told a news conference on May 4. According to him, 17 EU member states will be taking part in the festivities in Chisinau. They will present 25 projects financed by the EU at 13 tents. Ten countries will present 15 projects in Balti, at seven tents. “As last year, we will organize in Chisinau and in Balti language schools, where the visitors will be able to learn words and phrases in European languages. There will be also set up the famous gastronomic tents. The Ambassador of Italy informed me that a large quantity of Italian pasta is heading for Chisinau and could be tasted in the Great National Assembly Square. This year, the Moldovans will be able to take part in public debates in both of the towns. They will involve EU political and economic experts, ambassadors and political figures,” said the EU Ambassador. The festivities will end with concerts. “The Latvian band Brainstorm will perform this year as well. Italian singer Stefano Nutti and another 12 bands will be also taking part in the concert. The concert in Balti will involve seven bands, including UK's Monarchy,” said Dirk Schuebel. For the first time this year, there will be held the European Film Festival. It will be housed by the Gaudeamus Cultural Center in Chisinau during May 10-13. British writer Tony Hawks, who is the author of the bestseller “Playing Tennis with the Moldovans”, will participate in the festival. During the planned events, 11 European ambassadors working in Chisinau will make by a presentation at Moldovan universities and will discuss the European values and ideas with students and teachers. A bicycle race will be staged on the Chisinau-Balti-Chisinau route as the previous years. Festivities will be also organized in a number of Moldovan towns. “EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcek, Executive Director of the EU's External Action Service, will take part in the official opening of the events in Chisinau and in the European Small Town,” said the European official. The events in Chisinau will take place on May 7 starting at 1pm, while in Balti – on May 14, starting at 2pm.