On May 9, 2023, in Zagreb, we celebrated the Day of Europe and the European Year of Skills 2023. The Representation of the European Commission in Croatia, numerous citizens, and media representatives marked the Day of Europe – the birthday of the European Union, with the Skills Festival at the European Square in Zagreb. The festival was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Office of the European Parliament in Croatia, embassies of EU member states accredited in Croatia, the Agency for Mobility and EU Programs, the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, and the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Social Policy, and Family, the national contact point for the European Year of Skills.
The main thematic focus of this year’s festival and celebration of the Day of Europe was the commemoration of the European Year of Skills 2023, as well as the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Croatia’s membership in the European Union.
The opening ceremony featured speeches by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Andrea Metelko-Zgombić, the Director for Offices of the European Parliament in Member States, Stephen Clark, the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Croatia, Ognian Zlatev, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Croatia, H.E. Diana Helen Madunic, as the representative of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
All visitors of the Skills Festival had the opportunity to explore the booths of EU member states, learn about the work of the Craftsmen Association of the City of Zagreb, get informed about mobility programs, and participate in various activities. They learned more about the vocational school programs of the European Parliament ambassadors, whose students presented their knowledge and skills. Different workshops for cognitive, communication, and digital skills, led by the Institute for Innovations, as well as workshops on the European eTwinning platform for school education and the enhancement of students’ and teachers’ skills, were held at the House of Europe on the European Square.
Our PR team provided support in promoting this event and informing the public about the importance of skilling by gathering journalists and TV crews and distributing several press releases on the matter prior and after the event.
