As Brexit looms don’t forget what we have enjoyed and what we are leaving

Today celebrations take place across Scotland and the rest of the European Union to mark Europe Day, an annual celebration of peace and unity across the continent.

Each year thousands of people take part in visits, debates, concerts and other events to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU. For those pro-eu individuals like myself, it is a day tinged with some sadness, as this is the last year we mark Europe Day prior to leaving the EU in March, 2019.

The day is also known as Schuman Day, commemorating the declaration 68 years ago on 9 May, 1950, by the French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, which marked the first move towards the creation of the EU.

Europe had just come out of the Second World War, a conflict that had nearly destroyed the continent and split it between two spheres of influence. In a desire not to repeat such destruction, there was a great deal of momentum towards European co-operation, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.

Schuman’s vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. through the Schuman Declaration the French foreign minister proposed the creation of a supranational European institution.

This led firstly to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) the following year. It was also the forerunner of several other European Communities and also what is now the European Union. The ECSC was founded on the principle that tying former arch-enemies economically together – originally through the weapons of war of coal and steel – would assist in ending the horrors of such conflicts and deliver muchneeded reconciliation.

These institutions have proven to be highly successful in transforming a previously warring continent. The EU ensures that member states co-operate peacefully, and the creation of the single market has also made us richer than we would have been without it. It has also been an inspiration

for those who are fighting for the values of freedom and democracy across the world.

As we look to exit the EU it does no harm to be reminded of what we have enjoyed and what we are leaving – the precious gift of over 70 years of peace and stability. The role of the EU in delivering this achievement must be recognised and celebrated.