On May 9th, let’s celebrate Europe!

All over France, on May 9th, and throughout the month, we celebrate Europe. The “merry month of May”, as a famous French qualifies the month of May, is the perfect opportunity to talk about Europe: over 200 events are already listed on the website dedicated to the celebration. With event onsite or offsite, in the public space when possible or at home, feel free to celebrate Europe!

The educational website of the European Commission says that Europe Day is one of the symbols of the European Union, along with the European flag, currency and anthem. Events and parties are organised on the anniversary date of May 9th, 1950, the day of the Declaration by Robert Schuman, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, considered to be the founding act of the EU.

A strong symbol, multiple actions

Europe Day has today become a strong symbol. Beyond this simple day, the “merry month of May in Europe” has an important place in France, with a programme of increasingly varied and imaginative actions over the years. A search engine, accessible by date, place or type of operation, allows you to see more clearly among all the kinds of actions proposed, from the most pedagogical to the most playful:

- exhibitions, fairs, European villages with stands (where possible);

- contests, games, competitions;

- sporting events (strolls on bicycle, on foot or swimming!); 

- workshops, training courses, information meetings;

- conferences, symposia, seminars, debates and forums;

- excursions, guided tours;

- exhibitions and cultural events, language cafés;

- professional meetings, open doors of emblematic places.

In France and all over Europe

“The more citizens celebrate Europe, the stronger our message!” This is the intention of the European Union, after launching the “EU in my region” event in 2016, a communication campaign to celebrate Europe in all Member States. Since then (see the dedicated Facebook website), more and more projects are held in all EU countries. However, they take a different form: they are more about increasing the visibility of EU-funded projects and showing in concrete terms what local or national authorities are doing with EU funding in a particular region of Europe.

The launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe

It is in this context that the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission have just launched the Conference on the Future of Europe, a unique opportunity for European citizens to debate Europe’s priorities and the challenges it faces. All Europeans, and particularly young people, can contribute to projects to this multilingual digital platform, which is organised by theme. To participate, you can make direct contributions, but also take part in events (plenary conferences).

To know more:

- About Europe Day

- Events scheduled in France 

- The Europe in my region  policy

- The conference on the future of Europe 

Photo credit: ©Grecaud Paul - stock.adobe.com