At 10.30 precisely on 9 May, fifty mountain guides hoisted the European flag on fifty different peaks all over Italy. From the Alps to the southern volcanoes of Vesuvius and Etna, the European flag waved to mark the 50th anniversary of the EU. The ambitious climb was organised by the Lombardy mountain guides’ association 
to highlight the EU's ongoing contribution to peace in Europe on the occasion of its 50th birthday as well as celebrating the splendour of mountains and Europe’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Another striking celebration was the way Austrians marked Europe day in Vienna, planting a large flower bed in the city park “Blumengärten Hirschstetten”. Measuring 30m by 25m, the bed depicts a map of Europe, using colours and shading to indicate individual countries and the different waves of new members.
27 countries, 27 films, 4 cities, 432 screenings – put them together and you have Eurocine27. Showcasing European film‑making talent on Europe day, previously unseen movies, one from each of the EU's 27 countries, were shown in Rome, Paris, Madrid and Brussels. A day for moviegoers to get a real taste of the EU's cultural diversity!
Europe’s scientific, intellectual and cultural heritage took centre stage at the European parliament in Brussels. A special debate was organised for Europe day involving 13 European Nobel prize winners, among them Poland's former president Lech Wałęsa and Italian physicist Carlo Rubbia, invited to discuss past, present and future EU achievements.
The Belgian capital inaugurated the festivities on May 5 with the annual open day at the EU institutions. Over 70.000 visitors, including Queen Paola of Belgium, crossed the threshold of EU buildings to take a look inside and discover the everyday work of EU staff.
"Europe Day" - EU flags on the Alps (video) 
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