As of Saturday, the exhibition is open to the general public, who can then gain their own impression of the history and politics of the EU, and life in the European Union.

The European House can already count three enthusiastic visitors. Chancellor Angela Merkel opened it with Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission.

Angela Merkel and the EU politicians have gained a first impression of the interactive permanent exhibition entitled "Erlebnis Europa – Europa Experience". Everyone else will have to wait until the weekend, when the European House will be open to the general public. Then everybody can find out for themselves about the history and politics of the EU, and about life in the European Union.

Answering questions, explaining actions

The Chancellor believes that this is an investment in the right thing. "Both geographically, the fact that the exhibition is right next to the Brandenburg Gate is in itself a powerful symbol – and in terms of the topics covered." The greater the tasks Europe has to shoulder, the more important it is to involve the people, she said.

Angela Merkel stressed that the dialogue with the people is especially important. "We, the politicians, must explain our actions. We must answer questions," said the Chancellor. This applies to member states and to the European institutions.

Fighting for this Europe

The European Parliament and the European Commission are now doing just that in the European House. Everybody who is interested in finding out about Europe, its values and its interests will find the way to the exhibition, said the Chancellor in her words of welcome.

"What becomes of Europe and how Europe develops lies in all of our hands," Angela Merkel reminded her audience. "It is up to us. And we have heard in the addresses given here today that we believe it is important to fight for this Europe."

Angela Merkel thanked the European Parliament and the European Commission for investing in Berlin and addressing the questions and concerns of the people.

We need a culture of debate, says Jean-Claude Juncker

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, was happy that the new information centre has created a forum for dialogue, at the heart of Berlin. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, stressed that there was no better place to sell Europe.

He expressed his hopes that the permanent exhibition would convey information at a time when Europe is being severely tested. He would like to see as many people as possible visiting the exhibition. Few know enough about Europe. "We need a culture of debate in the noble sense of the term," said the Commission President.

360 degree view of the European Parliament

The renovation work has been completed and the European House will open its doors for everybody again on 14 May. The new interactive permanent exhibition is intended to kindle enthusiasm for and interest in the European Union. Visitors can embark on a journey through the history, politics and culture of the European Union and experience life in the EU.

A 360 degree cinema is the core of the new exhibition. Visitors can take part in a virtual plenary session of the European Parliament. And anyone who would like to do so can contact their MEP (Member of the European Parliament) simply and directly by e-mail. Anyone wishing to address a question or criticism to the EU, can simply hand it to one of the exhibition team.

Erlebnis Europa – Europa Experience. The exhibition in the European House Berlin.
Address: European House, Unter den Linden 78, 10117 Berlin
Admission: free
Open: every day 10:00 – 18:00