The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso led a delegation of European high level in China for the opening flag of the European Union at the Shanghai World Expo. The Shanghai World Expo will run from May 1 to October 31. 70-100000000 visitors are expected at the exhibition, most of which will be Chinese. The Shanghai event hosts exhibitions from 190 countries, including 27 Member States of the European Union, 48 international organizations, five theme pavilions and 18 companies. 70 "events Urban Best Practices" will be presented, including 20 of the EU. Expos or universal fairs were held throughout the world since 1851, the first of which took place in London's Crystal Palace in Hyde Park. Those accompanying President Barroso in Beijing include Catherine Ashton (Vice-President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy), Neelie Kroes (Vice President, Digital Agenda), Androulla Vassiliou (Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth), Karel De Gucht (Trade), Günther Oettinger (energy) and Connie Hedegaard (Climate Action). The main objective of the visit will be to develop a provisional agenda for bilateral relations in the new framework provided by the Treaty of Lisbon. "We will take this opportunity to create a positive dynamic in our relationship that dates back 35 years and developed an ambitious agenda for the next five years," said President Barroso before his trip. Recent relations between the EU and China have experienced some difficulties related to trade disputes, the diplomatic climate, and the visits of the Dalai Lama in Europe. The exhibition "Europe Smart 'After meeting with Chinese leaders in Beijing, where they will also open a Clean Energy Centre Europe-China, the attention of the EU Delegation then turned to Shanghai, when President Barroso inaugurated the Pavilion 1000m ² of the European Union. The pavilion - which presents the first EU participation in an Expo held outside its borders - is based on "Intelligent Europe". He will present examples of "how European technologies and innovation help create a better life for European citizens in terms of living standards, environment, urban solutions, communications and integration of the old and new architecture in our cities, "said the European Commission. The highlights of the exhibition include among others a brief history of the EU, which will outline the values such as human rights and respect for diversity, and exhibits highlighting the achievements and social Europe's economic, as the euro, the visa-free travel and student exchange program Erasmus.
Tags: euro , Europe , EU , European Union
