May 9 is the birthday of the European Union. It was on this day in 1950 that the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organized Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.

This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union.

Probably very few people in Europe know that on the 9^th of May in 1950 the first move was made towards the creation of what is now known as the European Union.

In Paris that day, against the background of the threat of a Third World War engulfing the whole of Europe, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman read to the international press a declaration calling France, Germany and other European countries to pool together their coal and steel production as "the first concrete foundation of a European federation".

What he proposed was the creation of a supranational European Institution, charged with the management of the coal and steel industry, the very sector which was, at that time, the basis of all military power. The countries which he called upon had almost destroyed each other in a dreadful conflict which had left after it a sense of material and moral desolation.

Everything, therefore, began that day. That is why during the Milan Summit of EU leaders in 1985 it was decided to celebrate May 9 as "Europe Day".

Today, Europe Day has become a symbol of peace and union. It is the day when all Europeans celebrate their common values. Together with the single currency (the euro), the flag and the anthem, Europe day identifies the EU as a political entity. But Europe Day is also an opportunity to have fun through activities and festivals that bring Europe closer to its citizens, and peoples of different member states closer to each other.

More about Europe Day (in English only)