Co-hosted by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) and the embassies of EU member countries in Vietnam, it will endeavour to bring to local audiences an entertaining and intellectually refreshing mix of events in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Can Tho.

The 7th edition of the “Europe Days” 2010 will open on May 6 with an art exhibition entitled “José María Cano - I am not an artist, I am a fax machine,” presented by the Spanish Embassy, and carry on for the whole month of May.

A prominent highlight is the Europe Day concert by the Melchior Ensemble presenting some of the finest musical talents from Europe. Being acclaimed by the European media as one of the most outstanding young musical group, the Melchior Ensemble performs a variety of exciting chamber music repertoire, particularly the romantic repertoire. Featuring musicians from different countries in Europe, the Melchior Ensemble is a distinguished example of European diversity.

The musical scene of the “Europe Days 2010” will be enriched by three other performances, including a Beethoven 9th Symphony Concert presented by the Spanish Embassy, staging musicians from the Vietnam National Academy of Music and the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra and 10 members of the Youth Orchestra of Madrid under the baton of the Spanish conductor Carlos Cuesta; a Jazz Concert by the Embassy of Poland; and a Classical Concert presented by the Dutch General Consulate.

An Erasmus Mundus Scholarships Roadshow taking place in Hanoi, Danang, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, is a promisingly interesting event for young Vietnamese students who are seeking studying opportunities in Europe.

The annual European Film Festival continues to be a focus by showcasing a selection of films ranging from animation to fiction aiming to cater to wider audience.

A seminar on EU-Vietnam trade relations, a children’s photo contest on climate change and the annual European food festival enrich the “Europe Days 2010.”

Ambassador Sean Doyle, Head of the EU delegation to Vietnam said, “We are so delighted to witness that about 20,000 people enjoyed the live performances throughout the “Europe Days 2009”. We hope that the “Europe Days 2010” will continue its attraction to so many people across the spectrum of Vietnamese society”.

There is no better way to improve understanding between Europeans and Vietnamese than through people-to-people exchanges, the ambassador stressed.

2010 marks the 60th anniversary of a historical speech by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman - the so-called “Schuman Declaration” - on May 9, 1950, calling upon France, Germany and other European countries to pool together their coal and steel production as the first concrete bases of a European Federation essential to the safeguarding of peace. This became the foundation for the beginning of what is the European Union today.

The “Europe Days” are therefore the occasion for activities that bring Europe closer to its citizens and strengthen the many relations that Europe has established with nations around the world, including Vietnam.

Since their inception in 2004, the “Europe Days” have met with tremendous success and growing public attention for their diverse programme of inspiring performances and information activities reflecting the richness of the European Union’s different cultures — one of its most distinguishing features.