9TH OF MAY. EUROPE DAY.
Europe Day is an annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe. Europe Day has been designed in two separate designations dates: 5th May by the Council of Europe, and 9th May by the European Union. That day is also known as Schuman’s Day, as it commemorates the historical speech made by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Schuman. Europe Day is one of the European symbols designed to foster unity between Europeans.
The Europe Day has become one of the symbols of European Union along with the flag, the anthem, the motto and the Euro. The Europe Day, unlike the other symbols, is just a symbol of the European Union.
Despite being a day of celebration, European countries don’t celebrate it with big parties like national holidays. However, in 2006,Franceorganized several celebrations that included free entrance to the lounge where the speech was delivered, as well as the lighting of the arch of Victory of Paris and theEiffelTowerwith blue lights.
MOTTO OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
United in diversity is the official motto (in the English language) of the European Union. It’s translations in other 22 languages of the EU has the same meaning. The Latin version, In varietate Concordia, is also used as a compromise. It is one of the newest symbols of Europe, but it is specific from the EU rather than having been originated from the European Council.
According to the European Commission:
“The motto means that, via the EU, Europeans are united in working together for peace and prosperity, and that the many different cultures, traditions and languages in Europe are a positive asset for the continent.”
The European motto was first adopted in May 2000 as “Unity in diversity” through a non official process since it came from a competition that involved 80,000 students from 15 countries of the European Union.
In 2004, the motto was written into the failed European Constitution‘s Article I-8 about the EU’s symbols.
The symbols of the Union
The flag of the Union shall be a circle of twelve golden stars on a blue background.
The anthem of the Union shall be based on the ‘Ode to Joy‘ from the Ninth Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The motto of the Union shall be: ‘United in diversity’.
The currency of the Union shall be the euro.
Europe day shall be celebrated on 9 May throughout theUnion.”
Written by Saioa García Garaikoetxea.