Why is the EU at Expo 2010 Shanghai?

The European Union is China's main economic partner; it attaches a great importance to the strategic partnership built with the Chinese government. It is a personal decision of the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, to accept the invitation to participate made by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. This poke the normal policy for the European Union not to participate in Expos outside the EU.

The Expo is a unique opportunity to expand the EU’s public diplomacy in China and to reach a large and diverse population that has for the most part limited understanding of the EU. Not only will visitors be able to see the pavilion and enjoy its cultural activities, but thanks to media coverage many spectators will also have a chance to learn more about the EU.

What does the European Union pavilion look like?

Given the time and resources available, and following market research, the Commission opted for a shared pavilion with Belgium, which will hold the rotating presidency of the EU in the second half of 2010.

This shared pavilion is at the centre of the so-called “European Quarter”, the area of the Expo site that comprises the pavilions of all European countries. This pavilion is in the shape of a box with a glass façade. It relies for its visual effect on a giant “pain cell” at its heart, and special lighting that allows it to change colour at nightfall.

There are two clearly separated entries, and the EU has 1000 m² of exhibition space, as well as access to the auditorium and business centre and all facilities. The pavilion uses a large solar energy supply for its water heating and is therefore adhering to the Expo's objectives in terms of efficient use of energy.

What is in the EU permanent exhibition?

The EU exhibition is based around the theme of “Intelligent Europe”. It begins with a brief presentation of what is the EU? : members, history, values and objectives. Visitors then enter the “Open Europe” area – a panorama of the economic and social achievements of a Europe without internal borders, including the euro, Schengen visas and the Erasmus students exchange programme. This area also contains a large video installation highlighting the EU-China partnership with a creative use of calligraphy to pay respect to the Expo host country, China. The next space, “Green Europe”, is devoted to the journey which Europe has travelled in trying to protect & improve its environment, and make the transition to an innovative and sustainable society. The finale, “Living Europe”, is an immersive experience: 2 giant screens showing a 360° vision of the sights and sounds of the most pleasant sides of European life in cities: culture, history, art, food, lifestyle...

EU Mascots

The EU will be represented throughout the Expo area by its mascot couple, Ou Ou and Meng Meng. Oumeng means EU in Mandarin.

What is the cultural programme?

The EU Pavilion will also have an extensive cultural programme that will offer all visitors a truly European panorama of our artistic expression: dance, puppet theatre, music, cinema and sculpture. There will also be a science festival, a week dedicated to European languages and, last but not least, a football week in partnership with UEFA and its President – and Godfather of the EU Pavilion – Michel Platini, during which veteran stars of European football will play an exhibition game against veteran Chinese players. The European players that will participate have won a combined 20 “Ballons d’Or” for European Player of the Year, so this is a veritable European “Dream team”.

Everyday, actors in historical costumes will perform in front of the Pavilion to present to visitors very famous European historical characters, artists, inventors or scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart, Einstein or Marco Polo.

Europe Day on May 9th

Prepared in cooperation with Spain, which holds the rotating EU Presidency in the first half of 2010, this will consist of a parade of traditional troupes from all over Europe; a concert by the European Union Youth Orchestra conducted by the Spanish conductor Inma Shara and a night of live pop music with 4 different groups from the 4 corners of Europe and a giant video show on the history of the EU.

"Win a trip to Europe" Competition

From May 1st to October 31st, visitors to both the EU Pavilion itself as well as to our dedicated Expo website www.shanghaiexpo.eu will have the opportunity to win free flights to Europe. Every month, courtesy of Air France, one lucky winner will receive two return tickets to Europe from China (Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou) to any European destination served by Air France. The winners will be free to choose the dates and the duration of their stay in accordance with the terms and conditions of the competition.

The thematic programme

The EU will use the opportunity of the Expo to develop its constructive relationship with many parts of Chinese society, including high-level policymakers, national and local authorities, academics and business representatives. There will be over 30 events in the form of conferences and seminars held at the EU Pavilion's business centre. Around 15 Commission Directorate Generals, the European Parliament and EU-funded projects in China will organise thematic events on many key topics such as the contribution of the EU to Global Peace and Development, EU policies for digital cities, food safety and public health for a better life in cities, science and technology, tourism, green energy and intelligent transport for smart cities, the Euro and a stable monetary system for the World, Space policy, the contribution of international trade to development, studying apoad, the protection of legitimate trade and intellectual property rights, biodiversity, consumer protection, regional solidarity, etc. In July, there will be a project fair to present the achievements of key projects funded by the EU in China and in September the EU Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) will hold a retrospective event on the presence of European businesses in China, and especially in Shanghai.

And the Internet?

Visitors will be able to discover the EU permanent exhibition through a 3D interactive visit accessible via the Expo official website as well as through a new Commission website that will be open on May 1st at http://europa.eu/expo2010 and which will also present key facts on the main EU policies.

From 15 April 2010, a bilingual entertaining website www.shanghaiexpo.eu specially dedicated to residents in China will present daily news on the EU Pavilion and its activities, various games and competitions.

For example, there will be a photo contest in May, June-July and August-September, where visitors will be invited to take interesting or funny photos related to the EU Pavilion and upload them onto the website. Visitors to the website will then be invited to vote for their favourite photos to determine the winner of the "Win a trip to Europe" Competition.

How much money has the Commission invested in the EU Pavilion?

In May 2009, the Commission adopted a decision to enable DG RELEX to commit €9 million to ensure an effective and visible EU presence. This money has been used for the procurement of the pavilion space, facilities and support services (contract awarded to the Commissionership of the Belgian Government for Shanghai Expo 2010); for contracts with communication companies to develop a concept, a scenography and audiovisual productions for the permanent exhibition; for contracts for the construction, installation & maintenance of the exhibition.

NB:

For more details, please contact Wang Nannan

Press and Information Section

Delegation of the European Union to China

Tel: 010-84548010

Email: Nannan.WANG@ec.europa.eu