On 17 May 2003 Europe Day was celebrated for the first time in Ukraine. It was initiated and co-ordinated by the Delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine. With the participation of the EU-member states, candidate countries and numerous other partners the EU's celebration become the largest European event ever held in Ukraine.

The celebration took place in the very centre of Ukraine's capital Kyiv (European square and Kreshatyk). More than 60.000 people came to see what the EU has to offer and millions of Ukrainian citizens followed this event on TV.

Organizers:

Europe Day was initiated and co-ordinated by the Delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine.

The Kyiv City Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the European Business Association provided essential support to the event whereas EURO RSCG and Artveles took responsibility for all organisational matters.

Concert:

14 bands participated in the Europe Day open-air concert, which lasted from 12:00−23:00: Alphaville (Germany), London Beat (UK), The Blueberries (Denmark), Racoon (Netherlands), K-system (Finland), D-2 (Bulgaria), Biplan (Lithuania), Pavel Ryba (Czech Republic), Yeskiezsirumem (Poland), Arom (France), Oleksandr Ponamayov (Ukraine), Mandry (Ukraine), Taisya Povaly (Ukraine), VV (Ukraine).

Ceremony on stage:

All Ambassadors of the EU member states and candidate countries gathered on stage for the official opening. The European and Ukrainian anthem were played.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister A. Zlenko greeted the public stressing the importance to strengthen the relations between the EU and Ukraine. As a special surprise on this occasion R. Prodi, President of the European Commission, had prepared a short address to the Ukrainian public, which was shown on screen and later several times on TV.

Other greetings were given by: the Mayor of Kyiv, the Head of the EC Delegation, and Greek Presidency Ambassador to Ukraine. At the end of the opening ceremony 5000 EU-balloons went up into the sky accompanied by the European Anthem.

After the ceremony N. Jousten, Head of Delegation, took the Foreign Minister of Ukraine for a stroll though the village were they enjoyed Mozart music and German beer...

European Village on the central street of Kyiv:

The EU member states and candidate countries embassies and cultural institutes presented their countries and activities to the Ukrainian citizens for the first time together on the streets of Kyiv.

Diplomatic staff including Ambassadors gave first hand information to all interested. Specials of the day included: an authentic Wiener Cafe, photo exhibitions, soccer games, folkloristic presentations, modern UK DJ' music, national cuisine, excursions through the European village, presentations of EC projects, a children's paradise and live opinion polls by media partners (radio stations, TV) on the street.