Other events in Baltic States

In May, Lithuania is celebrating the Europe Day and is also marking the 6th anniversary of the country's accession to the European Union. On this occasion, various festive events will be held in twenty-six Lithuanian cities and towns. The events aim to promote greater public interest in the EU and to strengthen the European identity of the Lithuanian people, informed BC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The EU has designated 2010 as the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion. Therefore, one of the topics of this year's Europe Day celebration in Lithuania is fight against the social exclusion in a broad sense.

On May 7-9, the project "Lithuania – the Starlet of Europe" will take place in Vilnius. The highlight of the project is the traditional European Fair, which is held for the sixth year. During this year's festival, not only the European cuisine traditions will be presented, but also literature and crafts. Workshops of traditional crafts, book fair and cultural events will be organized on Gediminas Avenue. Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Azubalis and Mayor of Vilnius City Vilius Navickas will open the Fair in Vincas Kudirka square on May 7, at 4:05 p.m. The event is organized by Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vilnius City Municipality and the company "Concept events & media". On May 9, the traditional bicycle tour "Ride Your Bike to Europe" will take place in Vilnius. The route will begin at the Seimas (Parliament) and will end at Verkiai Palace.

In Vincas Kudirka square, the European Parliament Information Office will present an artistic installation dedicated to the Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion. Next to the installation, visitors will be able to take part in a quiz; folk dance ensembles will give concerts.

The European Commission Representation in Lithuania organizes the main Europe Day event on 8 May in Druskininkai. The motto of the Europe Day celebration in Druskininkai is "If I Were You". The events will begin with the welcoming of the ecological raft Bliuskis at the quay and a march of the participants of the event. Key attention will be given to the promotion of personal tolerance and openness. In the evening, a concert of bands "Saules kliosas", "Skamp" and singer Jurga Seduikyte will be held.

Exhibitions will be opened, discussions, conferences and educational games will be held, essay and drawing competitions, concerts, marches, film screenings, sports competitions and games will be organized, the elderly and the disabled along with large families will be visited, and handicraft fairs will be held during the festive events, organized by Europe Direct Information Centres in Alytus, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Marijampole, Panevezys, Siauliai, Taurage, Telsiai, Utena, and in other Lithuanian cities and towns.