Summer readings in the Citizens’ Garden

If you are looking for a moment to unwind in the busy European Quarter, the new season of literary readings in the Citizens’ Garden is a perfect opportunity. Immerse yourself in European literature with authors from Sweden, Spain, Estonia and Germany.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays during the first two weeks of July, discover European literature with summer readings in the Citizens’ Garden, one of our favourite small parks (and hidden gems!) in Brussels. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking stories in a serene green space on your lunchbreak.

During the first week, attend literary readings with Belgian authors, discover Lize Spit’s the “Honest Finder.” Touch upon matters such as migration, childhood, hope and despair. Belgian’s national poet Lisette Lombé will read from her novel “Eunice.”

During week two, you can listen Maltese author Alex Farrugia read an extract from his European Literature Prize 2024 nominated novel Ir-Re Borg (The King of Malta). For the final reading, Jayrôme C Robinet will read from his novel ‘My way from a white woman to a young man with a migration background.’

The literary readings will begin at 12:30 and will last roughly one hour each.

After a short introduction by the moderator, authors will give a 20-30 minute reading from their work. After each reading, you have the unique opportunity to debate with the author about her/his work and the topics she/he touches upon in an interactive Q&A session. 

The readings will take place in the mother tongue of the book, with text translations provided in English. Discussion between the moderator and the author will take place in English.

Tuesday, 2 July at 12:30
Belgian author Lize Spit will read from her novel “The Honest Finder.”
Reading in Dutch, translation of text into French. Moderated by: Olaf Schneider, European Parliament, House of European History

Thursday, 4 July at 12:30
National Poet in Belgium, Lisette Lombé, will read from her novel ‘Eunice.’
Reading in French, translation of text into English. Moderated by: Alison Mooney, Poet and speech writer at the European Parliament

Tuesday, 9 July at 12:30
Maltese author Alex Farrugia will read an extract from his European Literature Prize 2024 nominated novel Ir-Re Borg (The King of Malta)
Reading in Maltese, translation of text into English. Moderated by: Denise Chircop, Administrator in the CULT Secretariat

Thursday, 11 July at 12:30
Jayrôme C Robinet will read from his novel ‘My way from a white woman to a young man with a migration background.’
Reading in German, translation of text into English and discussion possible in German, Spanish and French. Moderated by: Klara Boghaert, Assistant, press and public relations, German Embassy Brussels and Alfonso de Alba, Embassy of Mexico to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

To learn more details about each of the readings, check the Visit European Parliament website and check their Facebook page for latest event updates.