On May 5, the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) participated in the celebration of Europe Day (9 May) in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia. In keeping with tradition, the celebration took place at Rike Park, which was transformed into a “Eurovillage” for the day. The EU Delegation to Georgia coordinated the event, which gave a great opportunity for Georgians to take a virtual journey to the European Union and learn more about what the EU does in Georgia and how it contributes to Georgia’s development.
The EUMM stand was manned by staff from Press & Public Information in Headquarters, and Monitors and Interpreters from the Field Office in Mtskheta, with the support of a number of helpful volunteers.
The Georgian President, H.E. Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili, accompanied by the Head of the EU Delegation to Georgia, H.E. Ambassador Janos Herman, was welcomed by the Head of Mission, Erik Høeg. H.E. Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili thanked the EUMM for their work in Georgia. Other VIP visitor included the Mayor of Tbilisi, Mr. Kakha Kaladze.
EUMM staff spent the day explaining the Mission’s mandate and its activities to a steady stream of visitors. Information leaflets, factsheets and tokens of appreciation for Georgia’s support to the Mission were handed out to visitors. EUMM equipment and a patrol vehicle that were on display were popular among the visitors.
On the same day, EUMM participated in the EU Open Day 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. Once a year, on this day, European Institutions open their doors to the public. The EUMM’s stand was one of the most visited on the day; it attracted many visitors, including children. Visitors were curious about developments in the field and the Mission’s contribution to managed stability in Georgia.
Europe Day was celebrated in other ways across Georgia, with the support and participation of the EUMM. Staff from the Field Office in Zugdidi took part in the Europe Day Run 2018 around the boulevard in Zugdidi, also on the 6th of May. Other participants included school children, representatives of the local American football team, local NGOs and EUMM Monitors. Additionally, the Field Office - Zugdidi delivered presentations about the Mission’s work and organised a drawing competition with the topic “How the EUMM is perceived among the schoolchildren along the ABL.”. Colleagues from the Field Office in Gori delivered presentations at local universities and took part in a football game against the Gori Municipality team. Field Office - Mtskheta will meet schoolchildren from Gremiskhevi, Vaziani and Bolnisi to discuss the EUMM’s presence in Georgia and our commitment to European values.
EUMM staff along with helpful volunteers are having a very busy, but exciting day!
EUMM Head Erik Høeg hosts President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili at the Mission’s stand in Tbilisi, Georgia
EUMM Spokesperson, Des Doyle explaining the Mandate to Italian visitors in Brussels, Belgium
EU Open Day is a great opportunity for EU citizens to learn more about the missions and operations which the EU is funding throughout the world, - including Belgian kids!
EUMM Field Office Zugdidi (FOZ) monitors along with representatives of the local American football team and local NGOs participated in the event
EU Day was celebrated with a game of football between Field Office Gori (FOG) and Gori municipality. Both teams met up with excellent players and cheer leaders in a good mood