Thalys high speed train decorated with the logo of EYID 2008

In June 2008 Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth attended a press conference to introduce a special Thalys high speed train decorated with the logo of European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 (EYID). Thalys trains link the capitals and cities of four EU member states (Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands) and carry thousands of passengers of various nationalities every day, being a symbol of intercultural exchange in Europe. The decorated train will run across Europe until the end of the year.
Ján Figel’ explained the significance of this exceptional cooperation: “Thalys trains are a very good example of a public space where intercultural interaction can happen. Decorating this Thalys train with the EYID logo will give greater visibility to the European Year.” Jean-Michel Dancoisne, CEO of Thalys emphasized the importance of intercultural dialogue across the EU: “We are very proud of the enriching partnerships we have developed during the last years with the cultural players along our network. That we have been chosen to display the logo of the EYID on our trains increases even more our enthusiasm.” Thalys trains have carried over 65 million passengers between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne since its launch in 1996.

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