'%20id='ico-down'%20stroke='%23000000'%20stroke-width='1.5'%3e%3cg%20transform='translate(1092.250000,%20254.750000)'%3e%3cpolyline%20id='Path-2-Copy-4'%20transform='translate(5.500000,%202.750000)%20scale(1,%20-1)%20rotate(-180.000000)%20translate(-5.500000,%20-2.750000)%20'%20points='0%200%205.5%205.5%2011%200'%3e%3c/polyline%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
28 April 2005
BRUSSELS – The EU institutions are to open their doors to the public this Saturday.
The occasion will mark the first opportunity for the public to enter the European Commission’s Berlaymont building since its renovation.
The controversial star-shaped building in the heart of the Brussels EU quarter reopened for staff last September.
It had remained closed for over a decade after it was found to be riddled with sbestos.
The building will open on Saturday from 10am and visitors will be able to peruse an exhibition about its history or even have the chance to debate European issues with some Commissioners.
Other buildings opening their doors include the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the Council of the European Union.
Various events, including concerts and conferences, will take place during the course of the day.
To mark the occasion the streets around Schuman will be taken over by stalls selling European crafts, musical podiums, and play areas for children.
Two small tourist trains will link the institutions that are open to visit.
[Copyright Expatica 2005]
Subject: Belgian news