Europe Day
EUROPE Day is a celebration of peace and unity in Europe. Celebrated annually on May 9, Europe Day marks the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration. The day-long observance intends to educate citizens in member states and the rest of the world about the merits of such an organization.
In 1950, Robert Schuman who was then French foreign minister delivered a speech in Paris that set out the idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which “would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.” He envisioned creating a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. In less than a year, a treaty creating such a body was signed. His proposal is considered to have laid the groundwork for what is now known as the European Union (EU).
The EU is an economic and political union of member states that are located primarily in the continent of Europe. In 2012, the EU won the Nobel Peace Prize
“for its good work in keeping peace in Europe.” Today, the EU is composed of 28 member states -- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Among the highlights of this year’s Europe Day 2019 are the annual Open Day in Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the symbolic buildings of the European capital. Local EU offices in Europe and around the globe have also lined up activities for all ages to mark the day. The Open Day features public debates and guided tours and games, among others, to showcase the work of EU. Guests are treated to a unique opportunity to discover how the European institutions affect the lives of citizens of member states. In Brussels and Strasbourg, the theme this year is “Choosing your Future,” in preparation for the upcoming election this May. The theme urges citizens of members states to vote and take responsibility of their future.
Europe Day 2019 is a fresh call for pro-European citizens, civil society, media, and politicians to revitalize the European dream and renewed impulse to the EU integration as the best form of protection for Europeans in the 21st century.
We congratulate the member states and peoples of the European Union led by European Commission’s President Jean-Claude Juncker on the occasion of Europe Day 2019.