On May 9th, in celebration of Europe Day, residents of the Spanish city of Calpe, a BELC partner municipality, took part in a very special event. European values and gastronomic culture were in focus during this day.
The activities began with raising of the European flag in Colón Square, then the mayor, Ana Sala, and BELC member, Marco Bittner, who is the International Promotion councilor, read a manifesto in favor of the fundamental values of unity, diversity, and solidarity that all EU citizens share. The role of the European Union in local policies was emphasized, with attention to programmes such as the Next Generation funds, as well as the importance of finding peaceful solutions to end the humanitarian crises in Ukraine and Gaza.
To strengthen the bonds between people of different nationalities residing in Calpe, a giant paella, a characteristic dish of Valencian gastronomy, was cooked and shared by the attendees. The day also served as a reminder regarding the importance of the upcoming European elections and the impact each vote has for the future of Europe.
Local media has also widely reported on the activities:
- https://www.informacion.es/marina-alta/2024/05/09/calp-insta-buscar-sol…;
- https://lamarinaplaza.com/2024/05/09/calp-insta-a-buscar-soluciones-pac…;
- https://lamarinaalta.com/calp-celebra-el-dia-de-europa-pidiendo-la-paz-…;
- https://marinaalta.es/2024/05/calp-dia-de-europa/
- https://www.elperiodic.com/calpe/ayuntamiento-calp-insta-buscar-solucio…;
- https://radiolitoral.com/2024/05/calp-insta-a-buscar-soluciones-pacificas-frente-a-los-conflictos-de-gaza-y-ucrania/
Details
- Publication date
- 9 May 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Communication
- Who
- Marco Bittner
- Where
- Spain, Calpe
- What
- Democracy and public participation