Celebrated on 9 May, Europe Day is a day celebrating peace and unity in Europe. The European Union started to celebrate Europe Day in commemoration of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, leading it to be referred to by some as “Schuman Day” or “Day of the united Europe”.
The Schuman Declaration was a speech made by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Robert Schuman, on 9 May 1950. Schuman is considered one of the fathers of Europe. 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 under a year later. Just five years after the end of World War II, Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.
Key quotes from Robert Schuman’s speech
“World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.”
“Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.”
Europe Day 2021 together with the Conference on the Future of Europe is scheduled to kick-off today, on 9 May, in Strasbourg. The teaming up of these two events shows that change is needed now more than ever, and that we need to discuss our challenges in order to create a better home for everyone.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic celebrations will be different this time. The European Union is inviting citizens from across Europe and the world to discover it in a safe and mostly virtual way, with physical or hybrid events and visits taking place where sanitary conditions allow it.
The Conference will enable people from across Europe to share their ideas and help shape our common future. Wherever we are, our voice and our opinion are needed to move Europe into a better, brighter future for everyone.
The future is in your hands.
This is the headline of the Conference on the Future of Europe digital platform. Visit this online hub and take part in a wide range of online activities. Learn more about the European Union and how it works. Find out how you can shape the future of Europe. Make your voice heard.
As Europe’s driving force for democratic change it is our meeting place, where even during the pandemic we can come together in our diversity, to make the big decisions necessary to improve our home.
Τhat was the first and introductory post of May, the European Diversity Month 2021. What to expect next?
A second post focusing on the European Diversity Month 2021 and the EU Youth Strategy. Then, throughout May a series of posts will introduce the European Youth Goals.
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