EUROPEADE 2000

From 19 to 23 July 2000, Horsens hosts of the 37th Europeade, the European Folk Arts Festival, with 5,000 dancers, singers and musicians from 25 European countries. The Europeade is a display of exuberant cheerfulness and colourful performances from all of Europe. The programme alternates between huge spectacular shows and several intimate performances throughout the city. 
The row of Europeades began in 1964 on initiative of a group of people from Belgium, Germany, Italy and France. The originators' idea was that each year participants from regions of Europe would gather for a festival, where each region's original folk art within dance, song and music would be shown in both huge spectacular and more intimate shows. 
The Europeade was to be the contributory in such a way that the different regions' original cultural identity would be preserved. The arrangement soon proved to be vigorous - and to such an extent, that the organizers had to limit the number of participants, exactly 5000, adding the participants from the host country. 
Many group performances will be given at various stages in Horsens. The participants will be wearing colourful costumes during the entire Europeade and will create a festive atmosphere wherever they go. Among different attractions are: Festival night at the Radhustorvet, Europe dances in Horsens Idretspark, Europe songs in the open-air theatre and the procession of 5000 participants through the city. 
At the Europeade, the regions of Europe meet each year for a festival where the original dance, song and music folk arts of each region are shown at both large, spectacular shows and intimate performances. The Europeade thus helps preserve the original cultural identity of each region.

Cancer: a verdict giving a chance

Breast Cancer is a noticeable problem of today. Each year a number of the cancer diagnosed women is increasing. But the most scary thing is that majority of people even are not aware of the existing disease. The city of Siauliai has just initiated the Phare Baltic Micro Project "Breast Cancer: A Verdict Giving a Chance". The partners of the project are cities: Šiauliai and Etten-Leur (the Netherlands), and Breast Pathology Association "Salvia" and GGD Midden-Brabant (the Netherlands). 
The key objective of this project is preliminary activities, training seminars, data collecting about the dynamics of cancer in the region and the preparation of Regional Breast Cancer Combat and Prevention Strategy, also publishing brochures. As the follow-up of this project the Support Center will be established, where volunteers and professional doctors could advise everyone coming to the center, what to do and how to do, if the breast cancer

is detected, introduce the most modern research, treatment and rehabilitation methods, as well as provide psychological support to the disease victims and their relatives. 
The first meeting of the project partners was held on 23-24.02. 2000 at Šiauliai. The aim of the meeting was to introduce the situation to the experts and to start preparations for drafting of Regional Breast Cancer Combat and Prevention Strategy. 
The next seminar will be held in May: first day for the professionals and the second one for the volunteers and Šiauliai citizens. The lecturers from Lithuania and the Netherlands will introduce the current situation on breast cancer in both countries and cities, as well and their experience in advising and supporting the women facing fear, pain and insecurity. We believe this project will outline the guidelines for the establishment of the Support Centre for breast cancer suffering women, their relatives and the other interested.

Baltic Sea Centre

A new planned Baltic Sea Centre is going to provide information about current research findings and new activities regarding the environment of the Baltic Sea; within the sectors of biology, geology, archaeology, industry, sailing and large building projects. 
In cooperation with the County of Storstroms Amt, the municipality of Vordingborg has worked out a district plan covering a stretch of three kilometres along the sea front of Vordingborg, with the Baltic Sea Centre situated on a vacant area belonging to the County of Storstroms Amt, the City of Vordingborg and one of the largest enterprises in the city. Furthermore, the district plan includes a harbour for research vessels and yachts, a new esplanade, a new seaport, as well as extension facilities for the county hospital. 
When the district plan has been implemented, the front of the city will face the Baltic Sea which once formed the basis of the foundation of the city when King Valdemar built his largest stronghold here in 1175. Before the final adoption of the district plan by the Town Council, there were intense

A view of the Baltic Sea, from the future Baltic Sea Centre

negotiations with the nature protection authorities which are usually very reluctant to accept building activities near the Danish coasts. 
The municipality of Vordingborg has established a project office (of three years duration) employing five persons with university background. Headed by Soren Espersen, they are going to prepare the foundation of the Baltic Sea Centre. The Project Office is currently preparing an exhibition about the Baltic Sea in cooperation with VSEGEI (the geological institute of St. Petersburg), and the RUC (University of Roskilde).