MARKING EUROPE DAY IN BRUSSELS AND ALL OVER THE WORLD

On Saturday,  EUBAM Rafah as part of fourteen EU missions celebrated Europe Day 2019 together with the European institutions in Brussels. The annual Open Day attracted thousands of visitors of all ages. They were entertained by cultural performances, had their faces painted, met Captain Europe, won awards at the Wheel of Fortune and became wiser on how the EU engages with its neighbours.

 

It is worth noting that 69 years ago, on 9 May 1950, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Shuman delivered a speech in Paris in which he set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe that would make future wars between Europe's nations unthinkable.

Five years after the end of World War II, his vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage the production of coal and steel. At that time, the two most essential armament materials. A year later, six European countries signed a treaty creating such a body – the European Coal and Steel Community. Robert Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is today the European Union.

9 May – Europe Day – marks the anniversary of the 'Schuman declaration' and celebrates peace and unity in Europe. EU offices in Europe and in EU Delegations all over the world celebrates this day. The festivities include a variety of activities including guided tours, debates and cultural and artistic events to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU.