Origins of Europe Day
The origins of Europe Day and the European Union came about through a desire to create economic prosperity and ensure peace and unity in Europe.
There are in fact two separate Europe Days: one established by the Council of Europe on the date of its anniversary on 5th May 1949, and the second created on May 9th by the European Union, also known as Schuman Day.
This date marks the first step towards a single Europe and was taken against the backdrop of a divided continent and the threat of a third world war.
In 1950, the French foreign minister Robert Schuman called for pooled coal and steel production between France and Germany as the “first concrete foundation of a European federation”. As two countries that had recently been bitter enemies in the Second World War, the move to combine the resources that ensured military supremacy was a pivotal moment in achieving future peace and solidarity.
States of the Union
Countries joining the European Union had to agree to respect the freedom and identity of its citizens, achieved through a common economic and social development. Today there are 27 member states, working together for the benefit of the EU’s population of 501.26 million.
At the Milan Summit of 1985, EU leaders decided to celebrate 9th May as Europe Day, although some countries still observe the alternative date of 5th May due to the humanitarian role of the European Council in defending human rights and parliamentary democracy.
Europe Day has adopted several symbols and motifs, with activities revolving around the Flag of Europe: a circle of twelve golden stars on a blue background that was first used by the Council of Europe in 1955.
The European Anthem, first launched on Europe Day in 1972, is based on the prelude to The Ode to Joy from Ludwig van Beethoven’s symphony No 9, and the motto of Unity in Diversity emphasises the shared values of member states.
Europe Together: More than a Song Contest
Throughout most of the European Union, Europe Day is marked by a wide range of activities coordinated by participating organisations and volunteers.
Events have increased over the years with themes varying from country to country, and often involve encouraging the general public, and in particular young people, to think about Europe and what it means to them.
Much of the action is organised through The European Movement, an international pan-European group represented in 41 European countries that aims to contribute towards the founding of a united federal Europe.
Yearly celebrations take many different forms: some countries devote an entire week to European celebrations when millions of people are challenged to think about Europe.
Activities include conferences, awards, poster competitions, intercultural dialogues on radio, sports events, open-doors days to European institutions, street interviews and meetings when local and national politicians take part in debates and talks.
In the past discussion subjects have included subjects like the Eurovision Song Contest and characteristics of European music – although for some, the idea of homogenous European music might be as remote as the idea of a united Europe!
Europe Day – 9th May 2010
The name of Europe has its origins in Greek mythology and the seduction of the beautiful Phoenician, Europa, on the isle of Crete by the god Zeus who disguised himself as a white bull.
Centuries of bitter wars and conflicts later, Europe Day was founded to commemorate the continent’s unification and is celebrated enthusiastically by most of the member states that make up the European Union. Possibly the only country where the Day is not embraced with gusto is in Britain, where signs emblazoned with the words ‘To Europe’, point across the channel in the continent’s general direction as though it’s a separate entity and nothing to do with the UK at all!
In fact they might just as well read ‘Here there be dragons’, for although there are many European enthusiasts in the country, Britain also has a tradition of euro-scepticism that construes the political nature of Europe Day as a factor that might influence people to (heaven forbid!) want further European integration.
External Links:
Europe Day 2010 Poster Competition
European Commission Website
If you would like to see your event here email support@directoryofyork.net
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