On 5 May 2007, the City of Mostar hosted the first of this year’s events to celebrate Europe Day in BiH. A giant EU flag, measuring 18 x 12 metres, was unfurled from the world-famous bridge while students of Mostar’s Pavarotti Centre played the notes of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, the European anthem.

Members of the Divers’ Association leapt from the bridge into the Neretva river and clowns entertained the children among the gathered crowd.

Dr. Vesna Kazacic, Director of the EU Info Centre in Mostar, spoke about the history and achievements of the EU and about the importance of communicating the European vision and system to the citizens of BiH who – polls indicate – feel they lack information.

Mr. Andre Lys, Head of Operations of the European Commission Delegation to BiH, stated that EU membership is not a purely political issue, it is the job of every citizen of the country. The citizens of Mostar have an important role to play in this process: they can show an example. If they work to improve the every day life of their city, make sure the municipality delivers services, if they teach their children peace and tolerance, they will become an example for the whole country and BiH will come closer to the European Union. He thanked the Mostar EU Info Centre and its partner, the NGO Kyodo, for organising the event.

Mr. Ljubo Beslic, Mayor of Mostar, welcomed the fact that Mostar was chosen for the first Europe Day event, adding that this choice was certainly not a coincidence. He also emphasized BiH’s desire to join the 27 members of the European Union.

The event ended with promotion of Herzegovinian wine and cheese, on the note that their names and/or regional origin must be registered, so as to   help brand them for the European market.