Open Days 2012: behind the scenes in Parliament

The European Parliament will mark this year's anniversary of the Schumann Declaration by opening its doors to citizens and offering them many activities that provide behind-the-scenes insights into Parliament's activities.

On Saturday 12 May, the European Parliament will join other EU institutions in Brussels in opening its doors from 10.00 to 18.00. It will offer many activities, including meeting political groups and European Parliament departments and to following and taking part in debates with Members of the European Parliament in the plenary chamber.

Outside Parliament, too, there will be many attractions for all ages and all tastes: street-basketball, laughter-yoga or Tai Chi, chess, and a children's village. Various NGOs will attend to present their EU activities in the sphere of this year's theme, active ageing and solidarity between the generations. An official opening dance ceremony will take place at 12, and at 17.30, veteran British DG Ruth Flowers, alias Mamy Rock, will give a concert outside Parliament on the Place du Luxembourg.

On Sunday 20 May, the European Parliament will celebrate Europe at its Strasbourg seat. After the raising of the European flag on the square, Members of the European Parliament will debate active ageing and solidarity between generations in the plenary chamber.

All the information stands of Parliament's political groups and departments will be open to the public from 10.00 to 18.00. On the square there will be musical and culinary attractions. A special Europa 2012 stamp will be issued to mark the occasion.