With the arrival of European Union Delegation to Cambodia, European organisations have teamed up to celebrate EU week, aiming to raise Europe’s profile in the Kingdom. Europe week, which is celebrated from May 4 to 10 is centered around Europe Day (May 9), which commemorates the proclamation made by French Minister Robert Schuman who called for the construction of the European Union. During EU week, events in and around Phnom Penh will highlight the presence of the European Union in Cambodia. In addition to different daily events, an exhibition of the EU’s historic timeline, its development activities in Cambodia, while modern, famous European brands will be displayed throughout the whole week and publicly accessibly at Wat Botum Park. The EU represents the largest trade actor in the world, and many European companies are ranked within the world’s top ten in any given sector, according to the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham). EuroCham and the EU Delegation to Cambodia, hope the celebration will make the EU’s commitment to Cambodia more visable to the public by showcasing their contributions.

“One of the main purposes of this partnership is to raise awareness about the importance of European business in Cambodia, its support in various areas of society and its contribution in general to the Cambodian economy,” said Emmanuel Menanteau, chairman of EuroCham, in a press release. EU week 2015 also highlights Europe’s development partnership with Cambodia. According to a press release, the EU has allocated 410 million Euros to the Kingdom between the period of 2014-2020. In addition, “the official development assistance to Cambodia by the larger group of European partners active in Cambodia … for the period of 2014-2018 is estimated at 892 million Euros in grants and 478 million Euros in loans: a total of 1.37 billion Euros”. The European cooperation to Cambodia aims to aid the eradication of poverty, address the causes of inequality and support sustainable development that complies with the policies of the Royal Government of Cambodia. “In spite of the fact that the EU is an important political partner of Cambodia, its first provider in grant aid with the EU Member States and its first export market, many Cambodian citizens are not sufficiently aware of what the European Union really is and does” says Jean-François Cautain, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia. “We want, this year in particular, to show that the European Union… is also home to an extraordinary, dynamic and diversified economy with many of the world’s leading companies,” he added. Civil society organizations, such as environmental protection, democratistion and human rights, are also financially supported by the EU. The history of Europe Day began with a speech made by Minister Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950. The French statesman delivered a speech that said the formation of the EU would put “an end to war and guarantee eternal speech.” The speech was followed by the Shuman Declaration, which led to the EU’s construction. The European Union is now 58 years old.

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Smart Axiata revealed that the Premium Zone, Green Zone and Normal Zone access passes will be available for the Demi World Tour 2015 where international pop singer Demi Lovato will perform at 7 pm Tuesday, May 5 on Koh Pich Island. Normal Zone access passes are available to the public on the day of the concert on a “first come, first serve basis” according to a Smart press release, while Premium Zone access passes and Green Zone access passes are limited to Smart subscribers. Starting from 5pm at the Theatre of Koh Pich Island, everyone is invited to pick up tickets at the concert venue until they are sold out. As for Smart subscribers, 2,000 Premium access passes can be found at the following Smart outlet locations: Smart shop AEON mall, Smart shop TK avenue, Smart shop Phnom Penh Center, Smart shop Koh Pich and Smart shop Sorya. Many Smart shops in Battambang, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville will also have tickets available for purchase until 12 pm on May 5. Premium access passes also include a gift bag including an “I love Demi” wristband and t-shirt, as well as a cheering stick. In addition, 10,000 Green Zone access passes will be available to Smart subscribers who top $1 to their accounts and activate any Demi Lovato song as their Smart Tune. These access passes have been available from April 28 onward in front of the Theatre of KohPich Island on a “first come, first serve” basis.