Brussels, 30/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - Several European regions will take advantage of the Universal Exhibition in Milan on 1 May to 31 October 2015 to put themselves in the limelight. The theme of this event is “Feed the Planet, Energy for Life”. 138 countries are due to take part.
At a seminar in Brussels on 25 March, the representation from the Île-de-France region of France said that it would be taking part, in the French pavilion, from 4 to 17 September. It will have a dedicated area and will take part in scenography outside and provide culinary demonstrations. The region is currently in negotiations with the organisers to have an aroma bar throughout the exhibition. The Rhône-Alpes region will also be in the French pavilion in May and June.
In Belgium, the Brussels, Walloon and Flemish regions will enjoy a dedicated period at the Belgian pavilion. Details are due to be announced at the end of April but it is already known that Wallonia will be attending from 21 to 26 June and Brussels from 21 to 24 September. In Slovakia, the administrative region of Bratislava will be taking part at its national pavilion.
The Lombardi Chamber of Commerce in Italy is organising an event on 22 October on promoting local food systems. It published a position document on the subject in October 2014. This text was signed by several European regional federations, including the European Regions Research and Innovation Network, the European Association of Mountain Areas and the European Association of Products of Origin. The Chamber of Commerce is currently looking for regions that would like to join it in organising this event. (Jean Comte)