On May 9, the calendar marks Europe
Day, commemorating the Schuman Declaration in 1950. The
historical plan was a proposal to place the French and the West
German production of coal and steel under one single authority,
which would later become the European Union.
Less than a month out from the European elections, what does
this Europe Day have in store?
"May 9, Europe Day, is not just a day of remembrance, but also a
day to consider our shared future. The day's proximity to the
elections makes it a more meaningful occasion than ever",
explained the European Parliament in a press release.
The date, May 9, commemorates French Foreign Minister Robert
Schuman's historic declaration in 1950 on the founding 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.
"Use your vote. Or others will decide for you".
On Europe Day 2024, more than 60 cities will illuminate iconic
buildings and monuments in a bid to highlight the importance of
voting. "Use your vote. Or others will decide for you": the
campaign slogan of the European Parliament and the blue-starred
EU flag will be projected onto monuments on the night of Europe
Day - among them the Colosseum in Rome, the Grand Place in
Brussels to the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin, Vilnius' town
hall or Bratislava's Presidential palace.
"With these illuminations taking place in cities across the
continent, the European Parliament and national and local
authorities are working together to send a united message to 440
million European citizens about the importance of these European
elections for everyone's future", read the European Parliament's
statement. Since the illuminations are on public display, they
are directed at every person, not solely those who are eligible
to vote.
Between June 6 and 9, EU citizens are called to vote for 720
members of the European Parliament. Last October, the EU Agency
for Cybersecurity had already called for vigilance ahead of the
June elections saying "information manipulation campaigns are
considered to be a major threat to election processes".
Disinformation and propaganda have been a matter of discussion
in the run-up to the elections, as well as on social media.
Experts say, far-right populist parties are way ahead of their
traditional rivals in the race for voter attention on social
media, where disinformation is stirring fear and rage around key
issues in the European elections.
Celebrations across Europe: Inclusion, anniversaries and the
looking into the future of the bloc.
Celebrations of Europe Day are touching the domains of art,
culture, politics and more. Through music, dance, discussions,
screenings and other formats thousands of people commemorate
peace, unity and the European idea. Member states and candidates
are hosting festivities in a plethora of cities, often in
collaboration with national entities, EU institutions or civil
society.
The European Commission and the European Parliament already
opened their doors to interested visitors in Brussels on May 4
and in Straßbourg on April 27. For the first time, the European
Parliament will mark Europe Day celebrations on its Luxembourg
premises with a "democracy village", cultural performances and a
new Europa Experience exhibition opening to the public on May 9.
In Italy, for the first time since the establishment of Europe
Day, three historic Italian villages will be lit up in blue. A
key event will be held in Rome's Piazza del Campidoglio with a
debate, readings and music.
To celebrate Europe Day, the Spanish Minister for Foreign
Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares,
will take part in the event 'Why Europe Matters' on May 8 in
Madrid, with a performance of the EU anthem Ode to Joy by the
Philharmonic Orchestra and dialogues on the impact and future of
the EU.
In Slovenia, this year's celebration of Europe Day will mark 20
years of EU membership. The main celebration of the anniversary
will take place on May 9 in Europe Square, shared by Italy and
Slovenia. 20 years ago, the then Prime Minister of Slovenia
Anton Rop and the President of the European Commission at the
time, Romano Prodi, counted down the seconds until Slovenia's
accession to the EU on the square.
In Bulgaria's capital Sofia, visitors will have the opportunity
to try local food and drinks from EU member states and enjoy
music and dance from different parts of Europe. As part of the
LUNAR festival, a 3D light show will illuminate the National Art
Gallery Palace.
EU-candidate Albania also celebrates Europe Day annually. On May
4, Europe Week launched in Shkodër with a focus on
inclusiveness, diversity and human rights. Europe Week will come
to a close on May 9 with a Europe Fair in Albania's capital
Tirana.
(continues).
(The content is based on news by agencies participating in the
enr, in this case AFP, ANSA, ATA, BTA, dpa, Europa Press, STA).
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