A Southeast European Baklava and Coffee Party:  the JHP makes a memorable impression in the European Parliament

25th February 2008

With an entertaining and colourful presentation, the CDRSEE was hosted by the European Parliament’s Delegation for Southeast Europe to present the JHP and engage in 2 hours of discussion on February 25th .

Laden with 150 pieces of sticky pastry, traditional Southeast European costumes and plenty of enthusiasm the CDRSEE not only caused chaos with the European Parliament’s security, but more importantly, grabbed, engaged and held the attention of  MEPs, EU Commission staff, journalists and EP officials to entertain and inform them about the JHP.

Ms Doris Pack, MEP and Chair of the Delegation for Southeast Europe chaired the event and introduced the guests to the concepts behind the JHP.  Following a brief performance that highlighted the problems the JHP hopes to tackle, Dr Erhard Busek, Special Coodinator of the Stability Pact and Chair of the Board of the CDRSEE delivered the keynote speech. 

The following speakers were Mr Costa Carras, Professor Christina Koulouri, Dr Dubravka Stojanovic and Dr Dusan Reljic.  Executive Director, Mr. Nenad Sebek facilitated the discussion and highlighted various practical aspects of the project, while the historical content was discussed and debated with the historians of the JHP.

George Georgoudis in traditional Greek dress as part of the presentation in the European Parliament, with a tray of baklava bearing the flags of SEE

Biljana Meskovska in traditional dress offering baklava to the Japanese Counsellor Yamamoto

The presentation in the European parliament:  Panel, L-R  Dr Dubravka Stojanovic, Nenad Sebek, SEE delegation Secretariat, SEE delegation Chair, Doris Pack, MEP, Dr Erhard Busek, Costa Carras, Professor Christina Koulouri,  Dr Dusan Reljic.