Europe Day celebrates peace and unity across the continent. Observed in May, it marks a key moment in European history and the start of stronger cooperation between countries. Today, we'll explore some interesting facts about Europe Day and take a look at a few stamps inspired by this important celebration.
Europe Day honors the ideals of peace and unity across the continent. It is observed by the Council of Europe on 5 May, and separately by the European Union on 9 May.
The Council of Europe first introduced Europe Day in 1964. Years later, the European Union chose 9 May for its own celebration, in tribute to the 1950 Schuman Declaration. This declaration laid the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community, which was a key step toward creating the EU. Because of this, the day is also sometimes known as Schuman Day or the Day of a United Europe.
Europe Day
Slovenia – 2001
“Europe Day celebrates the declaration made on 9 May 1950 by Robert Schuman. On that day, five years after the end of the Second World War, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Schuman, proposed to Germany and beyond to other countries the creation of a European organization whose purpose would be to pool the production of coal and steel. He thus launched the founding appeal of European construction and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). At the European Council in Milan in 1985, the Heads of State and Government decided to establish 9 May as “Europe Day”. It has been commemorated annually since 1986.” - www.robert-schuman.eu
Europe Day is much more than a typical national holiday. While most countries have long-established national holidays with well-known meanings and traditions, Europe Day is a relatively new celebration. In addition, some countries joined the European Union more recently, so the holiday may still feel unfamiliar or less established in those places.
EUROPA 2022 Stories and Myths
Croatia – 2022
To celebrate Europe Day, many cities across Europe host events such as cultural festivals, open-air concerts, educational workshops, exhibitions, and activities for children. EU institutions also open their doors to the public, offering guided tours and interactive programs to help people learn more about how the European Union works.
EUROPA 2022 Stories and Myths
Croatia – 2022
“The celebration of 9 May is not just the celebration of the founding document of European integration. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the current and real situation which changes daily. It celebrates the realities of life in a European Union based on the principles of the rule of law, a Union that possesses a democratic order founded on popular sovereignty and on values that are now accepted and shared by the vast majority of European people. The meaning of the celebration lies in its commemoration of the path that had to be taken to consolidate these principles and values, without taking for granted the victories won.
Europe Day on 9 May offers a yearly opportunity to bring Europe closer to its citizens. It is a day of information, guidance and discussion of European Union themes, especially, but not just, in schools and universities, with events of a particular cultural and educational content. Europe Day must also be an opportunity to forge closer ties among the citizens of Europe and overcome the sense of distance, indifference and even disaffection that they feel for the European institutions. It is a time at which the most can be made of the Union’s symbols. As in the case of a national day, what is needed is a good display of European flags, not only at places at which events are being held but also, and in particular, at windows. Lastly, 9 May should be a public holiday when men and women from different cities, regions and countries of our Europe can meet.” - www.cvce.eu
Today we explored some interesting stamps connected to Europe Day. If you'd like to read more about stamps related to holidays, feel free to check out the articles below.
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