Europe Day is a time to think about peace, unity and working together for European countries. It reminds us of how Europe has come from being a region that was badly hurt by war to a community that works together for a safe and stable future.When do people celebrate Europe Day?Europe Day is celebrated on two days depending on who is in charge. The European Union celebrates its Europe Day on May 9th every year. The Council of Europe, which is a group that includes countries that are not part of the European Union, celebrates it a little earlier on May 5th.The History and the Schuman DeclarationThe European Union’s Europe Day started on May 9, 1950. On this day, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman made an important proposal called the Schuman Declaration. Robert Schuman suggested that France and West Germany, which were enemies during World War II work together to control their coal and steel production. By sharing these resources Robert Schuman said that it would be very hard for France and West Germany to go to war again. This idea led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, which slowly turned into the European Union we know today. In 1985 European leaders met in Milan. Decided that May 9th would be Europe Day to remember this important moment.
Why Europe Day Matters TodayEurope Day is really a celebration of peace. For a time Europe was a place of many wars and conflicts. This day shows that choosing to talk things out, be open with each other and work together is better than fighting. In today’s changing world, Europe Day is more important than ever. It reminds us of the importance of democracy, human rights and working when things are unstable.How Do People Celebrate Europe DaySome big European Union buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg open their doors to the public on Europe Day. This allows people to visit and learn about how the European Union works.In some places like Luxembourg and Kosovo Europe Day is a holiday. In countries like Germany they celebrate for a whole week, which they call “Europe Week.”People around the world celebrate Europe Day too. European Union offices in other countries host festivals, debates and concerts to promote friendship between countries.Europe Day is a time to think about peace, unity and working together for European countries. It reminds us of how Europe has come from being a region that was badly hurt by war to a community that works together for a safe and stable future.When do people celebrate Europe Day?Europe Day is celebrated on two days depending on who is in charge. The European Union celebrates its Europe Day on May 9th every year. The Council of Europe which is a group that includes countries that are not part of the European Union, celebrates it a little earlier on May 5th.The History and the Schuman DeclarationThe European Union’s Europe Day started on May 9, 1950. On this day the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman made an important proposal called the Schuman Declaration.Robert Schuman suggested that France and West Germany, which were enemies during World War II work together to control their coal and steel production. By sharing these resources Robert Schuman said that it would be very hard for France and West Germany to go to war again. This idea led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, which slowly turned into the European Union we know today. In 1985 European leaders met in Milan. Decided that May 9th would be Europe Day to remember this important moment.Why Europe Day Matters TodayEurope Day is really a celebration of peace. For a time Europe was a place of many wars and conflicts. This day shows that choosing to talk things out be open with each other and work together is better than fighting. In today’s changing world, Europe Day is more important than ever. It reminds us of the importance of democracy, human rights and working when things are unstable.How Do People Celebrate Europe DaySome big European Union buildings in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg open their doors to the public on Europe Day. This allows people to visit and learn about how the European Union works. In some places like Luxembourg and Kosovo, Europe Day is a holiday. In countries like Germany they celebrate for a whole week, which they call “Europe Week.” People around the world celebrate Europe Day too. European Union offices in other countries host festivals, debates and concerts to promote friendship between countries.