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Finland will celebrate its 30th anniversary as a member of the European Union during this year’s Europe Day festivities on 9 and 10 May.
The main events take place in Helsinki and Tampere. On Friday 9 May, the Helsinki Central Library Oodi will host a public seminar featuring Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, European Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, Europe Minister Joakim Strand, former MEP Heidi Hautala, and several sitting MEPs including Aura Salla, Eero Heinäluoma, Ville Niinistö, and Sirpa Pietikäinen.
The event will also include contributions from researchers, journalists, and EU policy experts.
Visitors at Oodi will find exhibitions, live student music performances from Tapiola Upper Secondary School, and free coffee on a first-come, first-served basis. The programme is organised by European Movement Finland, the European Commission’s Representation in Finland, the European Parliament Office in Finland, the Prime Minister’s Office, Young European Federalists, and the European Investment Bank.
On Saturday 10 May, Tampere will host a public celebration in Keskustori square. The programme includes a political discussion led by journalist Matti Mörttinen, featuring Satu Hassi, Riitta Myller, Mauri Pekkarinen, Nils Torvalds, and sitting MEP Ville Niinistö. Remarks will be delivered by Vice-President Virkkunen and Tampere Mayor Kalervo Kummola. Entertainment includes live music from the Anne-Mari Kivimäki Ensemble, stand-up comedy, children’s activities, and a sing-along led by 1995 Tango Queen Marita Taavitsainen. The event is co-hosted by the European Commission and Parliament offices and the City of Tampere.
Across Finland, Europe Day will be marked with local events. In Seinäjoki on 8 May, a free comedy night titled “Jokes Without Visas” will feature EU-themed trivia and a performance by comedian Fathi Ahmed. In Eastern Finland, the “Dream Tour” will visit Savonlinna, Pieksämäki and Mikkeli between 7–9 May with music, local delicacies, and a chance to meet new regional director Heini Utunen.
In Kuopio on 9 May, the “Europe in Action” student event will showcase travel, study, and work opportunities across the EU. Held at Savon Vocational College, the morning includes quick info sessions, competitions and prizes. The event is organised by Europe Direct Kuopio, EURES and local youth groups.
The EU institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg will hold their traditional open days on 10 May.
Europe Day marks the anniversary of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which proposed joint European management of coal and steel production to prevent future wars. It laid the foundation for today’s EU. Finland has celebrated Europe Day since joining the EU in 1995.
The full event schedule and livestream details are available at www.eurooppapaiva.fi.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
