On May 9, 1950, following a proposal by Jean Monnet, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman made a historic declaration in the Clock Room at the Quai d’Orsay: he called for the pooling of French and German coal and steel production under an international authority.
This project, aimed at ensuring peace in Europe, is today considered the birth act of European construction. It led to the first European community: the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community), which came into being in 1951.
Based on this model, other communities followed, the most well-known being the European Economic Community (1957). These communities, creators of solidarity, have strengthened relations between European states. They have expanded and deepened to give birth to the European Union as we know it today.
Europe Day is, along with the flag, currency, motto, and anthem, one of the symbols of the European Union. Activities and festivities are organized on the occasion of the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, considered as the “birth certificate” of the European Union.
Europe Day is celebrated every year on May 9, and has been since 1985. It was indeed on May 9, 1950, that Robert Schuman presented his proposal for a European organization, indispensable for maintaining peaceful relations. Europe Day was established by European leaders at the European Council in Milan in June 1985 and celebrated for the first time in 1986.
Europe Day is also an opportunity to highlight the symbols of the unity of the European Union: a flag with twelve stars, an anthem, and a motto. In the eurozone countries, the single currency (coins and banknotes) is another symbol of unity.
As in the previous year, several virtual events are organized throughout May 2021, on the occasion of Europe Day and Europe Month, due to the coronavirus epidemic.
