European External Action Service
European External Action Service
05/07/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2026 23:12
Celebration of Europe Day 2026
On 9 May, the European Union celebrates its journey from a continent of conflict to a union built on peace, solidarity, and shared progress. Europe Day serves as a reminder that cooperation between nations can create a more stable and prosperous future for all.
What is Europe Day?
Every year on 9 May, the European Union (EU) celebrates Europe Day. This day marks peace and unity in Europe. It is an opportunity to reflect on how countries that were once in conflict have chosen cooperation, partnership, and shared progress.
Europe Day commemorates the historic Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950. On that day, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed a new form of political cooperation in Europe. His idea was simple but powerful: countries that work together on key industries - especially coal and steel - are less likely to go to war with each other. This proposal led to the creation of the first European community, bringing together six countries to jointly manage these industries. It laid the foundation for what is today the European Union.
Europe Day has been officially celebrated since 1985, when EU leaders decided to establish 9 May as a symbol of European unity and cooperation.
EU in Laos
Discover more about the history of Europe Day:
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