Yesterday 9 May, Europe Day was celebrated. Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets underlined that the chance to celebrate this day for 17 years as a member of the European Union was a great privilege. In addition to looking back, now is also the time to look to the future.
“Today, as we celebrate Europe Day, we can also take joy in the increased economic prosperity of Estonia, the improved well-being of our people, the development of everyday live and our increased international influence,” Liimets said. “The strength of the European Union has been tested repeatedly – including during this past year –, however, our determination to support each other and find common solutions has endured. This year, the meaning of Europe Day gains depth as we aim to look a bit further ahead to the future.”
Yesterday, the European Union officially launched the Conference on the Future of Europe, which is expected to run until the spring of 2022. The conference welcomes the public’s opinions, proposals and ideas about the kind of Europe they would like to live in.
Foreign Minister Liimets said it was key for all our people to participate in the Conference on the Future of Europe. “All the people of Estonia are also Europeans – this is why I would like to encourage everyone to have a say in our future. I consider it crucial to include as many young people as possible in planning discussions, because they come with fresh ideas and the future of Europe concerns them the most.”
The topics of the Conference on the Future of Europe are climate change and the environment, health, economy, social justice, jobs, EU in the world, digital transformation, European democracy, migration, education, culture, youth, sport and values and rights, rule of law, security and safety. More information about the Conference on the Future of Europe is available here.
The Undersecretary for European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Märt Volmer also attended the discussion “The Future of the European Union” as part of the virtual event “The European Union: the Present and the Future”, organised to mark Europe Day. The event was organised by NGOs Tegusad Eesti Noored and AEGEE-Tartu. More information is available here.
Europe Day dates back to 9 May 1950, when the first step was taken towards shaping the European Union we know today with a speech by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presenting the idea of uniting Europe. The proposal known as the Schuman Declaration is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.
By now, 9 May has been established as Europe Day, and together with the flag, anthem, motto and common currency, it characterises the political nature of the European Union. Europe Day is traditionally celebrated in all member states with concerts, exhibitions and various outdoor events to raise awareness about the EU and increase mutual understanding.
Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]