Series of events: "United in diversity - discover and understand Europe!" - An offer from the partnership for democracy in the municipality of Konz
March 25, 2022 is the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome. They are considered the birth certificate of the European Community. Since then a lot has happened. An association of states has formed from the economic community, which today has a total of 27 nations with almost 450 million inhabitants. Many things that are decided at European level also affect us and have a direct impact on our lives. Even if not all citizens always agree with the structures and decisions of the EU, the problems caused by the corona pandemic, the Ukraine crisis and, last but not least, the challenges in the fight against climate change show that future tasks can only be solved together be able.
We all benefit from a united Europe. Because the progress of the European integration process not only led to extensive freedom of travel and freedom of establishment, but also brought the member states an unprecedented period of prosperity and peace due to the elimination of customs barriers. Especially in a border region like the municipality of Konz, the advantages of a united Europe are more than tangible. Not only the numerous commuters testify to this, but also the large number of personal contacts and friendships far beyond our own national borders.
In addition to the formation of common institutions and the introduction of a common currency, the countries of the European Union have also agreed on common values that are binding for all members. These include freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law. Many of these achievements are taken for granted today and only very few know anything more about the historical developments and the European unification process. For this reason, the Partnership for Democracy is offering several events this year on the subject of "discovering and understanding Europe", where citizens can obtain information as part of excursions and eventful guided tours.
Travel to Schengen
(Sat, 03/19/2022, 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., meeting point: Konz train station car park, Güterstraße 1)
On March 19, the European Museum in Schengen will be visited as part of a bus trip. There, the participants not only get an exciting and informative overview of the Schengen Agreement, but also learn why a Europe without borders is so important today, during the tour "Schengen is alive".
Note: The tour takes place in any weather. Since the tour also and above all takes place outdoors, it is recommended to wear clothing appropriate to the weather.
Cost per person: €10.00
Trip to Luxembourg
(Sat, 09.04.2022, 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., meeting point: Konz train station car park, Güterstraße 1)
On April 9th, Luxembourg will be visited as the seat of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Auditors. As part of the "Luxembourg, a European capital" city tour, the Cercle Cité, the Europahaus, the birthplace of Robert Schuman and the Kirchberg plateau with the Europaviertel will be visited (approx. 3 hours). Afterwards, the participants also have the opportunity to explore the city on their own.
Note: The tour takes place in the open air. The buildings or institutions are not visited from the inside. The Tourist Information Luxembourg currently has the requirement that a mask must also be worn during the guided tour outside.
Cost per person: €10.00
Hike around the Ouren European Monument
(Sun, May 15, 2022, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., meeting point: Konz train station car park, Güterstraße 1)
On May 15, there will be a guided cultural hike to the European Monument in the border triangle near Ouren, organized in cooperation with EVEA, the European Association for the Eifel and Ardennes. The memorial commemorates the 1957 Treaty of Rome and bears witness to regional cooperation for a united Europe. During the hike, the national borders that once separated Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg are crossed at several points and the participants learn exciting details about the development of cross-border relationships and the importance of the European idea for the region.
Note: The hiking route is approx. 5.30 km and is easy to manage even for inexperienced hikers (without walking difficulties). Wearing appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes is recommended. There is also self-catering during the hike.
Cost per person: €10.00
General information:
The tours take place in compliance with the Corona regulations of the respective country that are valid at the time. Larger groups currently have to meet certain requirements for visits and guided tours in Luxembourg.
Each participant must have either:
- Have a vaccination certificate issued 180 days or less ago
- have a certificate regarding the booster vaccination
- Have a certificate of recovery valid for 180 days
Persons younger than 12 years and 2 months are exempt from presenting such a certificate. Wearing a mask is also mandatory indoors and on the bus.
Participation in all events is at your own risk.
The participation fee must be paid on the bus before the start of the journey.
For more information or to register, please contact the VHS Konz.
Phone: 06501 – 604321
Email: konz@kvhs.trier-saarburg.de
The series of events is funded by the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth as part of the federal program "Live Democracy!".