Europe Day 2017

Europe Day 2017
Thursday 4 May 2017

Europe Day, held on 9 May every year, celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe's nations unthinkable.

Schuman's vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union. Robert Schuman was also the inspiration behind the ANU Centre for European Studies annual Schuman Lecture Series, celebrating the remarkable achievements of European integration since its modest beginnings in the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951. The Australian National University has recognised this achievement and foresight by coordinating the annual Schuman Lecture since 1996. The first lecture was delivered by Lord Leon Brittan, the then Vice President of the European Commission. For more information, visit the Schuman Lecture Series web page.

Europe Day activities around the globe

EU delegations organise in cooperation with EU member countries' embassies in their host country activities on the theme of Europe in the World. Lectures, competitions, film festivals and other events will demonstrate the best the EU has to offer. For information on Europe Day activities happening around the world visit the calendar of activities on the European External Action Service website.

Europe Day activities across the EU

Local offices of the European Commission and the European Parliament in the EU organise a variety of activities and events for all ages.

To find out what's happening around Europe visit the Europa website.

60 years of the Rome Treaties

This year's Europe Day also falls in the same year as the 60th Anniversary of the Rome Treaties. 60 years ago in Rome, the foundations were laid for the Europe that we know today, ushering in the longest period of peace in written history in Europe. The Treaties of Rome established a common market where people, goods, services and capital can move freely and created the conditions for prosperity and stability for European citizens. On this anniversary, Europe looks back with pride and looks forward with hope. For 60 years we have built a Union that promotes peaceful cooperation, respect of human dignity, liberty, democracy, equality and solidarity among European nations and peoples. Now, Europe's shared and better future is ours to design.

For an overview of events around Europe to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, visit the Europa website.

You may also wish to look back at some of the milestones that have shaped today's Europe, or read the White paper on the Future of Europe.

Europe Day posters 1996-2014

Every year, the poster that best captures the idea of the EU is selected to represent Europe Day. To see past winners, visit the Europa website.

Source: Europa.eu

 

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Updated:  5 May 2017/Responsible Officer:  Centre Director/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications