On May 9 every year, EU member states celebrate Europe Day. On the anniversary of the signing of the Schumann Declaration in 1950, this is a day to reflect on the cooperation, prosperity and peace that came about through the European project.
The date, May 9, commemorates French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman's historic declaration in 1950 of the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, which later became the European Union. Since 1985, this day has been marked with celebrations and festivities throughout Europe.
In 1952, in honor of Schumann and the "Schumann Declaration", May 9 was declared Europe Day, which is celebrated every year as a day to celebrate peace and unity in Europe, and at the same time the current EU flag was promoted as the Flag of Europe.
The flag features a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background. They stand for the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries, although the circle is a symbol of unity.
The EU motto, "United in diversity", was adopted as the motto of the European Union in 2000.
Europe Day celebrations touch the domains of art, culture, politics and much more. Through music, dance, discussions, projections and other formats, thousands of people commemorate peace, unity and the European idea. Member states and candidates host celebrations in a multitude of cities, often in collaboration with national entities, EU institutions or civil society.
