Europe Day held on May 9 every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman declaration’.
At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.
His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.
Europe Day 2020: Together we are Europe
Each year, the EU institutions in Brussels open their doors to the public for celebrations and activities, while EU Delegations around the world organise events throughout the whole month of May.
Due to the Coronavirus crisis, there will be no open doors events in Brussels or in the Delegations to celebrate Europe Day this year. The ongoing crisis leaves no room for social gatherings, and our thoughts go out to all those who are fighting against the virus or suffering because of it.
English article by European Union
Photo courtesy of flashaberler.net
