Diplomats mark 10th anniversary of joining EU at euro-picnic in Minsk
7 youngest EU member states have marked the 10th anniversary of their membership (PHOTO).
The picnic was organized by Central and Eastern European MEPs in the centre of Minsk (the place where the Polish Embassy will be situated in the future) on June 30. The Euro garden party was dated for the 10th anniversary of their membership the European Union. The Ambassadors of Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia and Slovakia and the EU representative office in Belarus organized the celebration.
“The EU expansion performed 10 years ago was a wonderfully used opportunity from the political, economic, civil and cultural point of view. It was a natural step for Central and Eastern European states on their way to freedom, independence and democracy. 10 countries joined the EU in 2004. Despite the numerous problems we are facing today, we can claim that the main goal has been reached and that the last decade was one of the best periods for this part of Europe. It proves that Europe can live without borders and the freedom of travel of one of the best achievements of the integration,” Polish Ambassador Leszek Szerepka claimed.
He urged everyone to have fun. Every state had their own tent where one could taste national dishes, drinks and other delicious food. The cultural part of the event was provided by the Polish band Volosi, Lithuanian M.K. Ciurlionis school of art brass quintet and famous Belarusian Palats.
Our reporter also met Belarusian deputy Minister of Culture Alena Kupchyna at the picnic. It was tempting to use the opportunity to ask her a few questions.
Euroradio: How do you like the atmosphere of the ‘European’ happening?
Alena Kupchyna: The atmosphere is festive, the event is excellent. It is good that we are all here together: the European Union and Belarusians on the Belarusian territory.
Euroradio: You officially met Mr. Gunnar Wiegand the other day (the European External Action Service Director for Russia, Eastern Partnership, Central Asia Regional Cooperation and OSCE countries. – Euroradio). Now you are spending time with European diplomats – can these two events mean that the relations between Belarus and the EU are coming to normal?
Alena Kupchyna: There is no difference between the official and the unofficial. Everything we do is done for the good of our country, our motherland. That is why we organize official events and all the rest is about friendship and is done unofficially.
Alena Kupchyna and Leszek Szerepka
Euroradio: Could you tell us when Belarus and the EU will sign the visa facilitation regime?
Alena Kupchyna: It does not depend on Belarus only. Belarus is not going to create any artificial obstacles and delay the process. We are interested in signing the agreements soon (a Schengen visa will cost 35 euro instead of 60 for Belarusians if the agreement is signed. – Euroradio). But any agreement means that there are two sides. That is why Europe should also make some steps.
You can see the atmosphere of the picnic in the photos. Euroradio asked the present what had impressed them there.
“I liked Palats’ performance most,” deputy head of the BPF Party Ihar Lyalkou said. He also added:
“I have made sure once again that Belarusians match the European context very well. We look the same as Lithuanians, Estonians and Poles – we are a European nation too!”
We approached a company of girls who had brought a blanket to the picnic and asked them what they liked most – the beer, sausages or music?
“We like that it feels like in Europe here. It is not like being in a certain country. We also like the moderation: there are no negative feelings about alcohol or meat – the atmosphere is wonderful.”
Another group of young people were also impressed by the atmosphere and organization of the event.
“This spot has united everyone so much that we feel at home.”
One more Euroradio’s interlocutor was disposed to have a serious talk thanks to Polish sausages and Czech beer.
“The picnic is the facade of the EU’s presentation. In fact… The EU membership opens a lot of opportunities for the development of the economy, political sphere and civil society. We need to get closer to Europe regardless of whether there are picnics or not.”
Nevertheless, the serious talk about politics did not prevent the present from helping themselves on the delicious food. Euroradio found those who appreciated it too.
“We liked that every country gave people an opportunity to taste its national dishes. You could even compare their beer with the Belarusian beer! This is excellent. And we also liked the concert.”
Head of the policy information and press department of the EU representative office Rudolf Richard organized a contest – he asked questions about the European Union. The winners got umbrellas, balls and other useful things with the European Union’s symbols.
Photo: Vital Ruhain, Zmitser Lukashuk
