German-Dutch excursion to Brussels
At the beginning of June, a German-Dutch tour group travelled to Brussels. They wanted to find out more about the EU shortly before the European elections. The programme began on the bus on the outward journey so that the participants could be provided with as much information as possible. "The trip was very well received and will therefore be repeated", reports Sonja Wießmeier from EUROPE DIREKT Bocholt. Anyone who would like to can already put their name on the waiting list at europe-direct(at)bocholt(dot)de.
The Koppelkerk cultural centre in Bredevoort organised the joint trip to Brussels together with EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt. Dutch and German citizens learnt about the EU on the bus and then on site in Brussels.
The varied programme began on the bus with a quiz and was enriched by a presentation by expert Siebo Janssen. In Brussels, the group visited the "Huis van de Nederlandse Provincies" . They not only listened to a lecture on the work of the Dutch in Brussels, but also gained an insight into the activities of the liaison office of the NRW state parliament in Brussels and the NRW state representation in Brussels.
A short walk finally took the group to the Parliament. There, a Dutch member of parliament was available to answer questions. The speeches were translated and interpreted by Prof Siebo Janssen, who completed his doctorate in the Netherlands.
Finally, the tour group visited the large meeting room of the European Parliament, where preparations for the European elections were already underway. Among other things, technicians were setting up stands for the press.
On the way back, the tour group was able to enjoy refreshments in a Belgian brasserie and reflect on the day before finally heading home. On the bus, there were small giveaways from EUROPE DIRECT Bocholt for the European elections.
The trip was made possible in part by the INTERREG Germany-Netherlands programme and its programme partners and was co-financed by the European Union.
The next trip is likely to take place in autumn 2014. Anyone interested can contact europe-direct(at)bocholt(dot)de.