The Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam (EUD) carried out its largest scale activity of the year with Europe Village 2023. The three-day event at the heart of Hanoi on Hoan Kiem Lake's walking street welcomed around 50 000 members of the public from 12-14 May.

Locals, expats and tourists witnessed performances by 20+ European and Vietnamese artists and musicians on- and off-stage, and engaged with representatives at booths and other setups. 16 EU Member States contributed to the event along with Ukraine, 35 businesses from or connected to the EU, 12 EU-funded projects and 7 local authorities. On the street, a range of interactive activities such as dancing and sports was carried out throughout each day, with inclusive fun for all ages.

Outreach products such as the ‘EUD Vietnam Passport’ issued to over 5 000 people on site encouraged visitors to stop by more vendors and return on subsequent days to accrue stamps and win EU-branded prizes such as tote bags, tumblers and others. A video screened during the opening ceremony provided viewers with a taste of the diversity of Europe, along with the plethora of opportunities for those who travel, study or work there.

Europe Village brings the best of the EU and its partners in Vietnam, from government to international organisations, civil society and the private sector. In line with EU-Vietnam commitments, all aspects are carried out to minimise environmental impact pursuant to the EC’s new guidelines on organising sustainable meetings and events, while vendor selection is based on key principles of the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy. These actions further contribute to the EU Multi-annual Indicative Programme for Vietnam (2021-2027), for a climate-responsive digital circular economy.

This year's event – under the theme ‘adventures of the senses’ – makes its comeback five years after its inaugural run and is the largest European cultural event in Vietnam. It contributes to the EU's mission of showcasing the richness of European cultures and reaffirming the EU's motto of 'united in diversity' under the Team Europe spirit, with its wide range of events targeted at attracting people from across the spectrum of Vietnamese society.

Over the course of Europe Village, EUD's Facebook experienced 34 000 hits and saw an increase in followers by 3% (+3 100), bringing the total to 100 000.

For full details of the event, click here.