ENLARGEMENT FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

THE FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY EUROPE IN CANBERRA - 1st of May 2004

A successful EU Enlargement Festival took place the 1st of May 2004 in Canberra, Australia, thanks to a joint initiative of the EU Delegation and 13 EU Member State missions present in the country. The goal of the event was to provide a local link to an event which was essentially perceived as "foreign news", and at the same time to involve the local European migrant community in the celebrations. More than 6,000 people attended the public event in the main square of the Australian capital, enjoying European food, wine and entertainment, in the presence of many Heads of Mission and EU Member State ambassadors.

A 'EUROPEAN SQUARE' IN CANBERRA

The festival was held in Garema Place, Canberra's main shopping and entertainment square, from 11am to 3 pm. 14 stalls were set-up for the event, bringing the historical event of Enlargement to the people.

Each participating mission had a fete-style stall and distributed free traditional food and drinks as well as promotional material, such as posters, pamphlets, tourist information, t-shirts, pens, magnets etc. Moreover, 32 EU flags were arranged to fly on Commonwealth Bridge, the arterial bridge crossing the main lake of Canberra, in the weeks up until Europe Day and after. EU helium balloons floated in their hundreds over Canberra's main lake, Lake Burley Griffin, children clutched show bags embossed with the EU stars and had EU stickers on their T-shirts.

A Commedia dell'Arte group roamed the crowd, while Polish dancers, Scottish pipers and a Men's Choir, who closed the event with 'Ode to Joy', entertained from the main stage.

The festival significantly increased the profile of the EU in Australia, and in particular the profile of the 10 new countries, giving a sense of identity and a recognisable "face" to the EU, and underlining the importance of the historical building process of Europe and its implications for the relationship with Australia. The festival essentially brought EU enlargement to the community.