EU4GEORGIA 4 – Large-Scale Public Events
The EU4Georgia 4 Project, launched on June 1, 2022, aims to enhance awareness, understanding, and support for the EU and its activities in Georgia over the next four years. As part of this initiative, NTU organises and executes large-scale public events, including Europe Day celebrations.
EU DAYS in Georgia 2024
Europe Day is a significant international celebration that commemorates the signing of the Schuman Declaration and highlight Europe's achievements and unity. It is celebrated annualy on May 9th to celebrate new form of political cooperation in post-war Europe.
In 2024 the Europe Day in Georgia was celebrated with a series of large-scale activities and events aimed at highlighting EU support in Georgia. A gala concert featuring the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra and internationally acclaimed Georgian performers was held at the Rustaveli National Theatre. Hosted by the EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński, the event expressed strong support for Georgia’s EU integration and was attended by over 600 guests, including President Salome Zurabishvili. A banner reading “The future of Georgia is in the European Union” was displayed, and the event caught significant media attention.
On May 11th, the main public festivities for Europe Day 2024 took place at "EXPOGEORGIA" in Tbilisi. The venue was divided into themed zones to engage diverse participants, including businesses, civil society organizations, and start-ups. Leading up to the event, promotional videos were displayed at Tempo Coffee and Snacks booths across the city. The celebration attracted around 15,000 visitors and was opened by the EU Ambassador Pawel Herczyński, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.
Main Highlights: 70 stands with over 100 EU-funded projects; 23 Team Europe stands; 7 thematic Europe Day Talks with renowned personalities from Georgia and Europe; Over 80 farmers, entrepreneurs, and small and medium businesses supported by the EU.
Social Media Platforms: Facebook: 45 posts were published and promoted on EUD page; Instagram: The campaign included 47 posts; X (Twitter): A total of 39 posts were published; 19 individual videos and 1 summary video; A dedicated Facebook Event page and webpage were created on eu4georgia.eu.
Media Coverage: 1,118,285 reach via thought TV outlets (based on measurements from Nielson company’s report); 309 media slots ensured; 77 reportages on TV; 232 articles in online media.
Video 1: Europe Day 2024 - What does the EU mean for me:
Video 2: Gala concert dedicated to Europe Day 2024:
EU DAYS in Georgia 2023
In 2023, Europe Day focused on showcasing the new opportunities available to Georgians through effective collaboration between the EU and Georgian governmental bodies. The event emphasised how visa-free travel facilitates exploring Europe, studying abroad, and establishing businesses. It was the first large-scale celebration of its kind since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, the event took place on May 6th at Expo Georgia, an exhibition centre. It was inaugurated by prominent officials, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, Chairman of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze, and the EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski.
What truly marked the success of the festival was the impressive turnout: thousands of visitors attended to explore the vibrant "Euro Village" hosted by the embassies of EU Member States. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including musical and dance performances, interactive games, and engaging quizzes.
The first big Europe Day in Tbilisi after the pandemic concluded with the Peace Bridge and TV tower lighting up in the colours of the European flag.
Video 1: Member States' Ambassadors speech:
Video 2: Gala concert dedicated to Europe Day 2023:
Video 3: “Euro village” – EU Days in Georgia 2023:
Impact
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Increased public awareness and support for Georgia's EU integration efforts by presentation of cultural, civic, and business collaboration;
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New opportunities for Georgians arising from effective EU-Georgia collaboration highlighted;
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A shared vision of European unity established and a sense of community fostered among different attendees.
Figure 1: EU Days in Georgia 2024 - photos from the event
SDGs:
