Tazeen Akhtar
European Union’s Euro-Village 5th Edition in Islamabad at Convention Center was the largest open diplomatic activity in Pakistan on 17th Feb 2024 with represetation of the missions of EU, attended by more than 10 thousand Pakistanis from twin cities of Rawalpindi Islamabad and around. It was an extravagenza of cultural diplomacy, traditions, music, cousine, quiz and prizes for the participants.
The festival highlighted the collaborative partnership of 60 years btw EU & Pakistan in development, trade and investment, culture, education, environment and a wide array of other areas.
The stalls of EU, Germany, Romania,Italy,Denmark,Czech Republic,Poland, Bulgaria,Belgium Austria, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Spain, Germany and other countries had different attractions for the visitors. The Ambassadors and their staff was enthusiastically attending the visitors who were thronging to every stall expressing their interest and keenness.
The hosting of the event at open place and invitation to all expresses trust of European community in Pakistan as safe country. Previously the event was held at PNCA relatively a close place and invitation limited.
Ambassadors their spouses and staff vehemently welcomed the visitors at their stalls. H.E. Mrs. #Andrea Wicke of Austria,H.E Ms #Irena Gancheva of Bulgaria, H.E Ms #Marilina Armellin of Italy, H.E #Henny Fokel de Vries of Netherlands, H.E Nicolas Galey of #France, H.E #Alfred Grannas of Germany, H.E #Maciej Pisarski of Poland, H.E #Frederico Silva of Portugal,H.E #Eduard Robert PREDA of Romania,H.E #Béla Fazekas of Hungary, H.E #Ladislav Steinhübel of Czech Republic, H.E #Jakob Linulf’s of Denmark, H.E #Charles DELOGNE of Belgium,H.E #Hannu Ripatti of Finland,H.E #KONSTANTINOS MOATSOS of Greece were seen busy in entertaining the guests at their beautifully decorated and managed stalls.
The event was meant to enhance people to people understanding as well that is a big gap when we talk about EU Pakistan relations. Some ambassadors were seen for the first time at an open place. Sweden was not seen there as the Embassy already went low profile in Islamabad. Spain Ambassador was absent.
The host Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka, in her inaugurating address, emphasised the significance of EuroVillage as a platform for fostering people-to-people connections and advancing collaborative efforts towards a sustainable future. She underscored the EU’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving environmental sustainability.
According to the EU Mission’s sources, The EU and Member States centered this year’s celebration around the theme of co-creating a sustainable future. Titled “Stronger Together – Sustainable Forever,” the event aimed to showcase the 60+ years of a strong connection between the EU and Pakistan. This celebration underscores the collaborative partnership in development, economic, culture, research and education and political engagement, demonstrating how the EU and Pakistan are stronger together.
EuroVillage included information and activity booths for both adults and children with interactive games, selfie corners, food and an opportunity to meet the diplomatic teams and learn about areas of our evolving partnership. The event featured live performances by Pakistani artists including Farhan Saeed and Quratulain Balouch.
EU-Pakistan Dosti truck was displayed at the festival that attracted the participants to have selfies and videos with the truck. This truck has been prepared and decorated especially to display commonalities among cultures of both regions. Previously , Ambassador EU had released a video with this truck that went viral on social media. Ambassador dressed in local truck drivers outfit travels in the truck and had Karak Chaye at roadside hotel introducing another culture of Pakistan.
The festival provided opportunities to the Pakistani citizens to learn about the employment and education potential as well as traditional food and attire of the European countries.The festival featured interactive information displays by the EU and Member States, offering games, quizzes, food and various activities, providing visitors with an afternoon of learning, interaction, and entertainment.
EU does not have full representation in Pakistan. Among 27 member states, only 16 have embassies in Islamabad. 10 member states have no or name sake representation in Pakistan. They are Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia. Sweden is like present and not present. Greece embassy is not active in meetings and building relations. The Greece diplomats say that “We do not meet mostly because Pakistan has close relations with Turkiye.” Not a good reason certainly.
EU Festival 2019 @ Islamabad Attracts Thousands to Fun, Food,Music & Culture of Inclusion
