Rome, 29 April. (beraking latest news) – “A Eurobarometer published a few days ago tells us that 81% of those interviewed consider voting in the European elections particularly important for the context in which we find ourselves. We have a Europe at the crossroads, increasingly crushed by authoritarian regimes, increasingly more victim of misinformation, and therefore the first message we must give is to go and vote.” Thus Carlo Corazza, director of the Italian office of the European Parliament, on the occasion of the presentation of the activities of the institutional campaign to promote participation in the vote on 8 and 9 June at the David Sassoli Europe Experience Space in Rome.
“A strong, vibrant democracy sees wide participation – adds Corazza – We will launch a series of initiatives starting from 9 May, Europe Day, including an event on the identity and future of the EU and a party-concert where passages on European integration and democracy will be read, such as Pericles’ speech. At the end, with all the artists present, we will push a button that will start the lighting of all the iconic sites of European history and culture throughout Italy.” .
“Young people are our first target – says Corazza – Here at Esperienza Europa we will organize debates with political leaders who will respond to young people who vote for the first time on what their recipe is, if they want a stronger, more federal, or they think it is better to return to the nation-state”.
Here are all the institutional activities in Italy in view of the European elections: on 9 May, in Piazza del Campidoglio from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm, an event will be held with readings and music promoted by the European Parliament Office in Italy, the Representation in Italy of the Commission European Union and from Rome Capital. Participants, among others: Alfa, Lorenzo Baglioni, Lino Banfi, Cristiana Capotondi, Anna Favella, Giulia Molino, Ale della Giusta, Edoardo Purgatori. The initiative will be preceded by an institutional debate at the Campidoglio, Aula Giulio Cesare, at 09.00.
On May 8, at Luiss Hub, from 7.00 pm, there will be an event organized by the Office of the European Parliament in Milan and by the Representation of the European Commission in Milan with the participation, among others, of: Gaia, Elio (Elio and the tense stories), Francesco Oggiano and Roberto Vecchioni.
During the evening of May 9th in Rome there will be the symbolic lighting, with the colors of the European Union, of buildings and cultural places that in Italy represent European history and identity, such as municipal buildings, squares, archaeological sites. The initiative, which also involves other European capitals, is anticipated in some cities as early as May 8th, will be repeated on June 8th and 9th and is in collaboration with the Civita Association, Enel, Anci and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.
From 9 May to 9 June, a city escape will be held which will involve, as the arrival point, the interactive space Europa Experience – David Sassoli. The experience will allow you to discover the European identity of Rome through European writers and intellectuals who have lived in the city. Participants will walk around the capital solving cultural and historical puzzles, and rediscovering its hidden corners. The experience, born from the collaboration with the start-up Garipalli, will be free to use.
From 17 to 19 May, Forlì will host one of the European Youth Events (Eye) which this year are taking place in four European cities: an opportunity to meet other young people, inspire each other and exchange ideas with experts, activists and decision makers. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 30 can participate in the activities, discuss key issues and share ideas about the future of Europe. The Forlì Eye is organized by the Forlì Europa Point of the University of Bologna, and is co-financed and supported by the European Parliament, with the European Commission.
The debate between the candidates for the presidency of the European Commission will be held on 23 May in Brussels, in the hemicycle of the European Parliament. Local screenings will also be organized by the EP offices in Italy and by the European Commission representations. On 9 June it will be possible to participate in the Election Nights at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels, and in those organized in Rome and Milan by the Office of the EP and the Representation of the EC in Italy. Meetings, debates and events to celebrate Europe and invite people to vote will be held both in universities and at Esperienza Europa – David Sassoli in Rome and, in collaboration with the Europe Direct network, throughout the national territory.