Chemnitz celebrates the birth of the European Union
From 4 to 12 May 2013, Europe is the focus of various events
Year after year, Europe Week focuses on the beginning of the European unification process. As one of the founding fathers of European unification, French Foreign Minister Robert Schumann, together with Jean Monnet, developed the so-called Schumann Plan, which he announced on 9 May 63 years ago. The proposal for joint control of the production of coal and steel, the most important raw materials for the defence industry, is today regarded as the birth of the European Union. What must not be forgotten today in the face of economic crises and negotiations on financial frameworks is that a united Europe means peace, democracy and freedom.
From 4 to 12 May 2013, campaigns and events will pay tribute to these achievements. The European Union guarantees its citizens unlimited freedom of travel, cultural diversity and, above all, encounters and exchanges with neighbours across borders. For example, the "Saxon-Czech Youth Parliaments" will meet on 4 and 5 May to discuss the question "Traffic in Chemnitz and Ústí nad Labem - child-friendly or cross-dangerous?". The IdAII project also gave disadvantaged young people the opportunity to gain experience and impressions during stays abroad in England and Spain, which are reflected in Europe Week. European diversity will be artistically captured by the "Windows of the World" project on 7 May, when young people and adults with and without a migration background will jointly design a house on the Sonnenberg. "Human rights and democracy in Europe" will be highlighted in the reading café at Kompott by means of an art installation on the building, a discussion with Russian artist Pavel Aleshin, a film screening, an intercultural jam session and intercultural cooking. On 9 May, the Saxon Mozart Society will embark on the Chemnitz Sound Trail with Mozart children from the Czech Republic and Italy, and on 10 May they will perform joint pieces from "The Magic Flute".
Programme: www.chemnitz.de
Contact: Pia Sachs, telephone: 0371 488-1509, e-mail: pia.sachs@stadt-chemnitz.de.