Ukraine Readies for Days of Europe

This year’s Days of Europe will be marked in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Lviv on May 15, 18, and 20 respectively. To quote the Kyiv office of the European Commission, this is Europe’s way to show that Ukraine has not been left out on the sidelines of the enlargement process. Last year, the Days of Europe were marked in Kyiv for the first time, which prompted President Kuchma to sign a decree ordering the celebration of these days on the third Saturday in May each year. On May 15, a so-called European township will be built in Khreshchatyk, which will be much bigger than the one built last year, with all EU members presenting their national prides and joys. The Days of Europe will be officially opened by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Kostiantyn Hryshchenko and Kyiv Mayor Oleksandr Omelchenko and will culminate in a concert featuring, among others, a popular Ukrainian band Vopli Vidopliasova and Germany’s Camouflage.