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Bratislava – On Thursday, Bratislava commemorates Europe Day, the symbolic birthday of the European Union (EU). For residents and visitors of the capital, a program is prepared at the Old Market on Námestí Nežnej revolúcie. It includes workshops, quizzes, games, and competitions, as well as information stands from EU member states. The program also focuses on the upcoming June elections to the European Parliament (EP).
Europe Day, according to Robert Sermek, the head of the EP Office in Slovakia, also reminds citizens of the Schuman Declaration. It initiated modern European integration and led to the creation of the present EU as a peaceful and democratic project. This year’s Europe Day celebrations are also special because they occur at a time when we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Slovakia’s entry into the EU.
“Moreover, in a month we face the European elections, where citizens choose their representatives for the next five years. Therefore, the celebration program also focuses on the results of the outgoing European Parliament and the challenges the new MEPs will face,” stated Sermek. He also urged voters to use their vote in the elections. He recalled that the election results will affect not only the composition of the European Parliament but also the work of the European Commission and thus decide on the future direction of the European Union as a whole.
During the event, people will learn why it is important to vote in the European elections (June 8). Similarly, what the single European market is, what Erasmus+ is, what the European Labour Authority (ELA) does, or Europe for climate. It also answers the question of what financial and digital literacy is, or how energy is saved. The event will conclude with a concert by Zuzana Smatanova.
The organizers of Europe Day in Bratislava are the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia and the Office of the European Parliament in Slovakia, in cooperation with the European Labour Authority and the European Investment Bank. Europe Day celebrations were also held this week in Košice.
On May 9, 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed the creation of a European office for coal and steel, which would primarily oversee producers of these strategic commodities and thus contribute to securing peace in Europe. At that time, the continent was recovering from the devastating consequences of two world wars, and steel was the main raw material for the arms industry. This proposal, known as the Schuman Declaration, is considered the beginning of the construction of the European Union.
The original founding members of the EU were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The first expansion occurred in 1973. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004. The most recent expansion of the union was in 2013, when Croatia became a member. Currently, the EU comprises 27 countries. (May 9)