ROME

the chairwoman thanks Senator
Beatrice Lorenzin
(www.camera.it/Deputati/Lorenzin)
in the Roman Senate

reception of the European Women’s Circle in the Roman Senate

our group in front of the city hall

(enlarge pictures by clicking on it)

Antique archaeological sites of the Roman Empire, magnificent churches and the Vatican as centre of the Roman Catholic Church, famous squares, lively streets, winding alleys, monumental buildings, and the pulsating life of a city of three millions represent history and modern times as it can be experienced only in Rome, The Eternal City.

Rome was and is one of the largest and most important cities in Europe and for Europe. In 1957, the Treaties of Rome launched the European Economic Community, a precursor of the European Union. Especially after the results of the vote on the EU-Constitution and the failed EU-summit it became clear that the growing together of the European Nations into a unified Europe remains a long and difficult process. All the more we have to cultivate the communication between citizens within the established EU.

In May 2005 the European Women’s Circle conducted a politico-cultural trip to Rome. The chairwoman had established personal contacts in Rome. The group was invited to a political discussion in the Roman city hall, which is housed in the Palazzo Senatorio on the Capitoline Hill, with Senator Dr. Beatrice Lorenzin, member of the Roman City Council. The discussion’s focus was the role of women in politics and economy, and the compatibility of family and work. Dr. Lorenzin supports the cause of women, because the percentage of women in Italy’s parliaments is even lower than in Germany. She explained that over the past years various measures have been instituted to support families, e.g. financial aid for young families seeking housing, and labour market policy, e.g. the establishment of new part time jobs for women in the administration. But many efforts are curtailed by the ubiquitous public debt and the savings measures resulting from that.

During the ensuing tour of the city hall the hall in which the Treaties of Rome were signed in 1957 was equally impressive as the short pause of the Senate’s session to greet our group.

The extensive cultural programme included the Colosseum, the Forum Romanum, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and the catacombs of St. Agnese with a guided tour by the director of the excavations. Walks through the historic city centre with its large palaces, Rome’s most famous squares, and the beautiful fountains perfected our visit to the Eternal City.

The next trip was already being planned under a brilliantly blue sky, accompanied by Italian coffee, excellent restaurants, some wine and a lot of harmony within the group.

Italy
Italy

Temple of Saturn in the Forum Romanum

face of the Pantheon at night

(enlarge pictures by clicking on it)

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