Europe Day: Celebrating 65 Years of Peaceful Cooperation - Hoofdinhoud

On the anniversary of 65 years of peaceful cooperation, President Juncker appeals to Commissioners and citizens to work for a Europe that is a role model to others.

Europe Day - EU Open Doors

Celebrating Europe Day on 9 May we also mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, and the 65th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.

European Commission President Juncker reminded the college in a letter that the declaration led to a new way of working together, across borders, respecting different cultures and languages - for the benefit of all. The founding principles of ensuring peace and working together should not, however, be taken for granted. The European Union was born in the aftermath of a terrible war and we still live in an unpredictable world. Schuman's words remain therefore still valid today.

The President also asks for political leaders and citizens' commitment: “The European project, today as 65 years ago, is about ensuring peace in Europe and working together beyond national borders. I want a Europe at the heart of the action, a Europe which moves forward, a Europe which protects its citizens, its interests and serves as a model for others.”

Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans i, who will be participating in the 'State of the Union' debate at the European University Institute in Florence, said:

"I believe in Europe because it's still the best answer that we have for the challenges we are facing in the world. In this Commission we want to be more actively engaged with citizens directly in their countries, and hear their concerns first-hand. That's why I'm delighted that so many of my colleagues are representing the Commission at Europe Day commemorations around the Union.“

The Commission is represented by its Commissioners and staff at many events at European and national level to commemorate both of these important anniversaries. The Commission will open its doors to the public from 10.00 to 18.00. There will be 25 stands representing different Directorates-General, structured around 5 priority themes: Jobs, Growth and Investment; The Energy Union and the Environment; The Digital Single Market; The EU in the World and the European Year for Development; and The Union working for its Citizens.