Vietnamese citizens under 30 can enter a writing contest to win a round-trip ticket to Brussels.

Ambassador – Head of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam Franz Jessen said he wants to know what young Vietnamese people think about Europe, what's important in their eyes and what they are concerned about.

Contestants must write essays on what impresses them most about the EU, in honour of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of relations with Viet Nam. The winner of the contest, which started yesterday, will receive a trip to Brussels to enrich their knowledge of Europe.

Contestants should express what they think about the EU and its relationship with Viet Nam, as well as their own experiences or stories.

Prestigious journalists, writers and activists will judge submissions. The contest will end on April 29 and the awarding ceremony will take place on Europe Day (May 9).

Ambassador – Head of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam Franz Jessen said he wants to know what young Vietnamese people think about Europe, what's important in their eyes and what they are concerned about.

"This year will be commemorated with remarkable and fruitful activities for both sides, so we can mark this special milestone in our friendship," he said.

Other events held to mark the anniversary include public lectures by European scholars, film and music festivals, conferences and seminars. A laser show creatively projecting iconic EU images and symbols will be held in tandem with a Europe Day concert. A website will be launched soon for people planning to participate in the celebration, with detailed information on all the year's activities.

"Today is an occasion for us to take a look back at what we have achieved," Jessen said. "Indeed, our bilateral ties have developed robustly from an initial focus on aid to a broader and more diverse partnership, including political dialogue and strong economic links.

"I am delighted to say that the relationship between the EU and Viet Nam has never been so good. Every day new opportunities for co-operation are possible." 

VNS