From the Sunday Telegraph :

“How many Eurocrats does it take to organise a party? Preparations have just begun for the European Union’s golden jubilee celebrations: 50 days and nights of back-to-back festivities.

On March 25, 2007, the Treaty of Rome, the founding document of the EU, will be half a century old. Brussels believes that this is such a key event that planning began last week, 17 months in advance.The EU, together with the local Brussels government, envisages a massive programme of concerts, carnivals and firework displays. Sophie Goeminne, who represents the Brussels government on the jubilee celebrations steering committee, said: “We are looking at a series of events around March 25, possibly starting on that date and running until May 9.”This will be our way of bringing the EU closer to its citizens.”

Sophie was, apparently, speaking with a straight face.