Today, May 9, Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in Europe as in each year, and Greece will mark the day through an event organized in central Athens this Sunday May 12.
May 9 marks the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman declaration‘ that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which aims to make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable, says the European Commission website.
The Schuman proposal is widely considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union, and which Greece joined in 1981.
Commenting on the day on social media, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had this to say:
On #EuropeDay, we honour Robert Schuman’s vision of a united, peaceful, and thriving Europe.
We celebrate the people who built our Union.
And those who keep building it every day.
This day belongs to all Europeans—the dreamers and the builders.
Together, we are stronger. pic.twitter.com/eWwIbIX1yd
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 9, 2024
In celebration of Europe day, and event called “A celebration for Europe and Democracy” is scheduled for this Sunday, 12 May between 12:30 – 18:00 in Athens at the Anassa city events center.
According to the website of the European Commission’s representation in Greece, available in the Greek language, the Embassies of EU Member States, state youth agencies, EU institutions, the Children’s Gallery of Greece as well as non-profit organizations will participate in the event.
It also includes a live discussion with EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas, as well as workshops, games, discussions and music.
Attendees will be able to build their CV, learn how to be an active citizen, ask experts about key EU issues, find out tips about environment, road safety and our health, learn about the role of EU institutions in Greece, get information about government-funded scholarships and learn about opportunities to participate in the ERASMUS+ program.
