HÀ NỘI — The annual Europe Days programme will once again take Vietnamese patrons on a journey through the richness of European cultures and celebrate the cooperation between the European Union and Việt Nam.

“On the 9th of May, we celebrate Europe Day. On that day, five years after World War II, Robert Schuman suggested common institutions that could lock the European States into trade and peace and abolish forever war amongst them,” said EU Delegation Head Ambassador Bruno Angelet, said.

“Today, the European Union is his greatest achievement. We are truly delighted to witness the growing public attention in Việt Nam for the Europe Days programme. Offering a wide range of events, we hope that Europe Days 2017 will continue to attract many people across the spectrum of Vietnamese society,” he said.

The “Europe days 2017” programme will offer music, cinema, theatre, education, literature and environmental events.

Highlights of the “Europe Days 2017” programme in Việt Nam include two concerts. The first one takes place in Hà Nội on May 10 and May 11. It will present the talented French-Haitian pianist Celimene Daudet, who will perform a programme of baroque, romantic and impressionist music by great European composers. The second concert will introduce the Belgian hip-hop group Les R’tardataires (the name in English: Those who are always late) in HCM City on May 12 and in Đà Nẵng City on May 14.

The annual European Film Festival promises to delight Vietnamese spectators with 15 inspiring films, presenting a journey through “tolerance” and “respect”.  It will open in HCM City on May 13 and in Hà Nội on May 15. This year, for the first time, the film festival will also take place in Huế city from May 14-25.

“Mutual tolerance and respect are key to happy societies. They are central values in European culture and are the main theme during this year’s film festival. We hope our Vietnamese friends will appreciate the beauty of mutual tolerance and respect as displayed in our films, and as they are keys in Vietnamese society,” said Head of the EU Delegation to Việt Nam Ambassador Bruno Angelet said.

The diversity of European cultural traditions will manifest itself in the European Literature event in Hà Nội and for the first time in HCM City. Vietnamese readers will have chances to enjoy new books from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the UK and Wallonie-Bruxelles (Belgium) as well as meet authors, listen to talks and readings. This event opens on May 6 and runs until May 14.

In particular, the first ever essay contest targeting young Vietnamese writers will invite participants to express their take on European cultural diversity, technology and innovation achievements in Europe and the European integration. The contest will award three top prizes -- which are three return trips to Rome, Paris and Brussels, including five night accommodation in each city.

More information about the Europe Days 2017 can be found at: https://europedayvietnam.com, or www.facebook.com/EUandVietnam. — VNS