The EU Open Doors Day takes place on 9 May. Also known as Europe Day, this one-day event brings thousands of people to the EU institutions to engage in activities and events aimed at raising awareness about the EU.

As the country holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, Latvia will be participating in the EU Open Doors Day, giving visitors the opportunity to experience its traditions.

Any Latvian asked about the most amazing thing about his country would answer – the traditional nationwide Song and Dance Celebration, which takes place every five years and brings together 20 000 singers and 15 000 dancers. Visit our stands in the Council, European Commission and European Parliament to experience this phenomenon!

Activities and venues:

Council of the EU (Rue de la Loi 175, Brussels)
Follow the dance steps on the Presidency floor decoration! Visitors will have the chance to take Latvian folk dance classes. Once you have the basics, you will be ready to swirl through the entrance hall of the atrium of the Justus Lipsius building, following the footsteps printed on the Presidency floor decoration. Dancing classes will take place three times over the course of the day – at 11:00, at 13:00 and at 15:00.

European Commission (Rue de la Loi 200, Brussels)
Make your own flower crown! During the Song and Dance Festival and for the Summer Solstice celebrations, Latvian women wear flower crowns - magical circles protecting them from misfortune and illness and bringing fertility and blessings. Join us and learn to make your own flower crown!

European Parliament (Rue Wiertz 60, Brussels)
View the 25 Moments photo exhibition! The exhibition is a project by the Latvian Parliament devoted to the 25th anniversary of the restoration of Latvia’s independence, capturing both the moments of joy and the challenges experienced by the Latvian people since the country regained its independence in 1990.