Destination: Europe

It's all about Europe this year, and the current presidency. Which is my destination as well. Any guesses?

European Flags

The last in the European series, the European flags outside the European Parliament. And as it's Friday, no more lessons.

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European Parliament

The European Parliament. Do I need to say more? A lighter version on the EP can be read here.

To quote 'The European Parliament is the only directly-elected body of the European Union. The 785 Members of the European Parliament are there to represent the citizens of Europe. They are elected once every five years by voters right across the 27 Member States of the European Union on behalf of its 492 million citizens.'

EU lesson no.4: at the EU level, neither the Parliament nor the Council may initiate EU legislation, only the European Commission can do so.

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Speaking Europe

Can you speak Europe? In a very European way, these are the signs pointing visitors' to the entrance at the European Parliament. Do you see your language here?

EU lesson no. 3 - Europe (EU) counts now 23 official languages, used for EU business.

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The Euro

I think (almost) everyone has heard or used the Euro. The single European currency in 13 countries, the Euro - in my opinion - changed Europe.

The Euro was already introduced as an accounting currency in 1999, but only took physical shape in 2002. Most EU countries joined in using the Euro, notably though the UK, Denmark and Sweden still do not use the Euro.

The currency consists of coins and notes.

The coins are of 2euro, 1 euro, 50cents, 20cents, 10cents, 5cents, 2cents, and 1cent. Interesting about the coins is that one side is identical to all countries using the Euro, the other representing a 'national' symbol. Trust me some coins have become real collectors items.

The notes are of 500euro, 200euro, 100euro, 50euro, 20euro, 10euro and 5euro and are all the same throughout the countries using the Euro. The design on the notes represents different European architectural styles.

The statue in the photo is Europa, holding the Euro and is situated in front of the European Parliament.

I would call this EU lesson no. 2.

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EU 50 years

Brussels is going European. Well, the whole EU is going European with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

Being in the heart of Europe, Brussels was marked since the beginning of this year by celebrations of all kind. Which is why I thought a 'European' week in photos might make a nice addition to the Brussels Daily Photo.

This past weekend, for example, the European Commission hosted a so-called 'open day', where one got the chance to see how the EU works from the inside. The EU open days were hosted as a run-up to the Europe Day (9 May).

If you are interested in the EU, when visiting Brussels, take advantage of the many Info Points - a good source for all things European.

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Lots of V's

For anyone working in Brussels, specifically with the European Commission these little stickers are a known sight (nuisance?). Let me explain: when you enter (as a visitor) the EC buildings you need to register, pass control and then attach this sticker in a visible place. V stays for Visitors (I assume).

Going home from work one day it was very funny to see a whole lamp post filled with these stickers.

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