EU at Expo Milano 2015 – Europe Day – Saturday 9 May 2015

10:00 EU official delegation arrival (European Parliament President, Martin Schulzand European Commission Vice-President/High Representative, Federica Mogherini)at VIP entrance of Expo site and transfer to EXPO Centre

10:30 Flag raising ceremony with EU anthem and speeches by European ParliamentPresident, Martin Schulz and European Commission Vice-President/HighRepresentative, Federica Mogherini.

11:00-12:30 Interinstitutional Citizens Dialogue – Auditorium

In presence of European Parliament President, Martin Schulz and EuropeanCommission Vice-President/High Representative, Federica Mogherini.

Themes

A few opening remarks were given by Sandro Gozi, Secretary of State of thePresidency of the Council of Ministers for European Affairs. The dialogue wasmoderated by the journalist Monica Maggioni. The main themes discussed were thefuture of Europe and the issue of food safety. The public could interact via livetwitting and televoting, expressing their thoughts on topical issues. Students askedquestions about GMOs, EU accountability and migration.

Participants

MEPS:Brando BenifeiSimona BonafèMario BorghezioCecile KyengeLuigi MorganoAntonio PanzeriMarijana PetirPaul RubigMartin SonnebornPatrizia Toia

The initiative involved 860 students and professors from 25 different high schoolsfrom Milan and all over Lombardy, Piemonte and Emilia Romagna.A delegation of citizens was also coordinated by Europe Direct with 310participants from Lombardy, Veneto, Piemonte and Emilia Romagna.

12:30-13:15 EU Parade

A parade was organised at the end of the Citizens Dialogue along the Decumanoand ended in front of EU pavilion (Lake Arena space). All students were involved ina flash-mob along the notes of the Ode to Joy by Beethoven: wearing a blue t-shirtand waving hundreds of EU flags.

12:40-13:00 Visit of EU's pavilion by EU delegation: ribbon cut, photo opportunitywith young people, doorstep statement, visit and signing of the “Golden book”.

13:00-14:15 EU delegation visit of Italian pavilion, followed by VIP lunch

14:30-16:00 “Bread and Civilization - La civiltà del pane” round table – Auditorium

16:00-17:30 “Alex and Sylvia’s Bake Off - La civiltà del pane” - Auditorium

A bread competition took place live at bread bakers champions from theparticipating Members States. Bread degustation of European bread recipes fromEU Member States participating to EXPO.

20:30 Concert by Orchestra La Verdi (Beethoven's 9th Symphony) – Auditorium