Europe Day celebrated in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Delegation of the EU to BiH and the EU Info Centre marked May 9 – Europe Day with sports and cultural events across the country.

During Europe Week, from 5 May to 10 May, basketball tournaments were held in Mostar, Tuzla and Banja Luka, while in Sarajevo more than 300 school pupils had an opportunity to see the first BiH musical for children and adults.

EUD/EUSR spokesperson, Andy McGuffie, emphasised that the aim of these events was to bring the EU closer to the people and make them part of the international celebration of Europe Day. “By involving young people, we are also highlighting the importance of a future of peace and prosperity for them. The main message of the week is that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a clear perspective to become a Member State of the EU, and that the EU is here to help the country to achieve that” he said.

The events started with the Mostar Euro Basket Cup on 6 May. Mixed girls’ and boys’ teams from eight local Mostar high schools had the opportunity to compete for the Cup. Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, Dr. Renzo Daviddi, opened the tournament by highlighting the importance of Europe Day and the EU commitment to BiH: “Europe Day is the most important date in the history of the EU, it is the date which has brought peace and prosperity to our member states, and has helped improve lives of the EU citizens. We want Bosnia and Herzegovina to be a part of it”, he said.
The event was also attended by officials from the local Municipality .

The basketball tournament in Tuzla was continued on 7 May with a competition of boys’ and girls’ teams from local Tuzla elementary schools. The tournament was also opened by Dr. Daviddi along with the Tuzla Mayor, Jasmin Imamovic.

The tournament ended in Banja Luka on 8 May. The Head of the EU Delegation Office in Banja Luka, Giulio Zanni, together with the Mayor of Banja Luka’s Adviser for Social Affairs, Ljiljana Radovanovic, opened the event.

“The European Union particularly helps to improve lives of our young people by creating better conditions for their education and development in different fields including art, culture and sport activities“, said Zanni.

On 9 May, Ambassador Sorensen joined over 300 kids from 10 elementary schools and organisations to see the first BiH musical play for children and adults “DJ Champignon – Top of the world” in Sarajevo. He emphasised that: “It is the birthday of the European Union and on this very special occasion we wanted to treat you with this extraordinary musical”.

The celebration was also joined by the Mayor of Novo Sarajevo Municipality, Nedžad Koldžo. Ambassador Sorensen also joined the EU Fair in Doboj organised by NGO EUROPLUS on 7 May while Dr. Daviddi addressed participants of the quiz “What do people with disabilities know about the EU?” organised by NGO Altruist SVJETLO on 8 May in Sarajevo.

Europa.ba