Today, we celebrate the birth of the European Union – an idea that brought peace and cooperation to war-torn Europe. This year marks 75 years since the Schuman Declaration (9 May 1950), which laid the foundation for the European Union as we know it today.
“The European Union provides security and safety for Estonia. Membership has opened many doors for us. We can travel, study, work, and live freely in other European countries,” said Prime Minister Kristen Michal. “Russia is using this day to distort history, but we remember history as it was. With all its complexity and pain. We are working together with Europe to bring a just and lasting peace to Ukraine and to develop our defence capabilities so that war never reaches us again,” said the Prime Minister.
The first Europe Day concert took place in 1998 on the roof of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the tradition was revived in 2022. Today, a great free concert will take place at 6 p.m. on Freedom Square in Tallinn, where the stage will be taken by 5MIINUST x Puuluup, NOËP, and Icelandic musician Daði Freyr. The concert will be opened with a speech by President of the Republic Alar Karis.
In addition, for the second year in a row, a large Europe Day concert will also be held in Narva, with performances by Anne Veski and nublu. The concert will be opened with speeches by Minister of the Interior Igor Taro, Mayor of Narva Katri Raik, and Ambassador of Spain Guillermo Corral Van Damme.
According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, Europe Day reminds us that we are united by a common understanding of what is important – freedom, democracy, and peace. ‘These principles are also the basis of Estonia’s membership in the European Union. Today, we are not only celebrating the unity of Europe, but also our obligation to keep this union strong and resolute,’ said Tsahkna.
75 years ago, the Schuman Declaration gave way to a bold plan to end wars in Europe and create a future based on cooperation. “Today, Europe is facing a challenge whose impact reaches far beyond our borders – Russia’s war in Ukraine is not just a war against one country, but a decisive test for the entire international order, democracy, and the future of the free world,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Estonia stands firmly by Ukraine. Europe and our allies must act unitedly and resolutely – because Ukraine’s victory is a test of strength and credibility for the whole free world,” Tsahkna added.
This year, events dedicated to Europe Day will be organised in different parts of Estonia throughout the week. Europe Week offers a diverse programme, which all schools, organisations, and communities were able to contribute to this year. You can find events taking place in your area on the Europe Day website, which lists all events taking place across Estonia during the week, from discussion evenings and film screenings to conferences.
“The European Union is first and foremost a peace project, and on Europe Day, we celebrate the fact that we are together in the European Union, where countries do not go to war with each other. Unfortunately, for the third year in a row, on this Europe Day, we must also think about what we as the European Union can do to end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible and to ensure a lasting peace. Fortunately, we still have many good things to be proud of: for example, freedom of speech and movement, the opportunity to get a good education, high-quality healthcare, beautiful nature. All of this is worth preserving!” said Ave Schank-Lukas, Acting Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Estonia.
The main organisers of the Europe Day events are the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Representation of the European Commission in Estonia, the State Shared Service Centre, the European Parliament Office in Estonia, the Ministry of Culture, the Integration Foundation, the embassies and cultural representations of European countries and many cooperation partners in smaller cities. Read more about all the events taking place in Tallinn and other Estonian cities at www.euroopapäev.ee.
On the occasion of Europe Day, all state and local government institutions, as well as public legal entities, will raise the Estonian flag. All households, organisations, and companies are also invited to raise the flag.
Some facts:
- Estonia has become 4 times richer per capita in Europe: GDP per capita in current prices (7,177 euros in 2004 vs. 28,741 euros in 2024).
- Total exports of goods have increased 6 times (4.8 billion in 2004 vs. 30.1 billion euros in 2024).
- The average salary has increased by almost 4.5 times (455 euros in 2003 vs. 2,062 euros in 2024). The average purchasing power has also increased almost twice.
- The average pension has increased by almost 4.5 times during this time (approx.174 euros in 2005 vs. 776 euros)
- The absolute poverty rate has decreased from 14.3% in 2004 to 2.7% in 2023.
