Nordic National Day(s) at Natolin (21-22/04)

On Thursday, 21 April 2022, and Friday, 22 April 2022, the Nordic National Day(s) took place at the College of Europe in Natolin. During these two days, the Natolin students could learn more about the Nordic countries with a primary focus on Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden – A great opportunity for the students who will soon visit Finland (among other destinations) in the context of the "Wider Baltic" study trip.

Natolin's Nordic students wanted the whole community to embrace the concept of hygge (or the Swedish fika), get cosy and find their inner Nordic person. Exhibitions were available in both Włodkowic and Retinger common rooms, where our students and guests could take in the nature, art, culture, and literature that the Nordics bring to the world. 

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The Nordic National Day(s) began with a High-Level Panel Debate on Thursday evening where the Ambassadors and Deputy Heads of Mission of almost all the Nordic states were represented – Deputy Head of Mission of Denmark Ms Malene BØGESVANG, H.E. Ambassador of Finland Mr Juha OTTMAN and Deputy Head of Mission of Finland Ms ERJA-OUTI HEINO, Ambassador of Norway, H.E Anders H. EIDE, and Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Stefan GULLGREN. The panellists began with introductory remarks about the country they each represent, and following these remarks, the floor was opened for questions. 

After the Panel Debate, Greta DI MATTIA and Lorenzo CORNETTONE performed Kringsat av fiender by the Norwegian author Nordahl GRIEG. We then moved to the Retinger Lobby. The Nordic students served traditional cakes from each country – Runeberg torte from Finland, kanelbullar from Sweden, kranskekake from Norway, and småkager from Denmark.  

Nordic National Day Nordic National Day

Friday’s event began with a Nordic Dinner in the restaurant, where our students could get a taste of what Nordic cuisine has to offer. After dinner, the main part of the event was held in Auditorium Copernicus. The students were greeted by the Norwegian Ambassador to the EU, H.E. Mr Rolf Einar FIFE, via a pre-recorded message. The students also enjoyed listening to the Natolin Choir's performance of Kringsatt av fiender by Nordahl GRIEG and "Thank You for the Music" by ABBA. A quiz with prizes followed.