The Council of the European Union, together with the other EU institutions, hold its annual Open Doors Day on 8 May 2009. This year, the Open Day fell on the eve of Europe Day, which is celebrated each year to mark the anniversary of the 1950 Schuman declaration.
The doors of the Justus Lipsius – the building of the EU Council in Brussels – were open to the public from 12:00 to 19:00. Guided tours were offered to explain the daily work of the Council to the European citizens and stands were held by the 14 missions and operations currently deployed on 3 continents under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union to present their activities on the field.
Members of EUBAM Rafah presented the Mission to the visitors, explaining its mandate and achievements. They distributed leaflets, T-shirts, notebooks, pens and Palestinian handicraft to the public. More than 5 000 people visited the Council. The stand also received the visit of the President of the European Council, Herman VAN ROMPUY.
Here is a map of the 24 missions and operations launched so far under the European Union CSDP around the world.
Click here for more pictures about the event.
