Europe Day: what is being celebrated on 9th May?

On May 9^th, 1950, Robert Schuman, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, called for the pooling of French and German coal and steel production under an international authority. This declaration will be the first step towards ECSC creation, signed in 1952.

Europe Day is celebrated every year on May, 9^th in all European countries to pay tribute to the founding moment. This symbolic date has been chosen by the Milan European Council in June 1985. Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in Europe.

To celebrate Europe Day, the EU institutions are opening their doors to the public in early May in Brussels and Strasbourg. The Union’s local offices in Europe and around the world organise a range of activities and events for all ages, in which thousands of people take part every year.

To raise awareness and enhance the value of the EU, the European Commission finances projects working to promote remembrance, mutual knowledge of European citizens and their rapprochement with the European Union, thanks to the Europe for Citizens programme.