Today, one of European symbols, together with the anthem, flag and common currency is also one significant date – May 9. That day is every year celebrated as the Europe Day. These symbols identify the political entity and unity of the European Union. Because of that, this date is extremely significant for the Union.
On that day, May 9, 1950, first step was made in making what is known today as the European Union. Robert Schuman, then Minister of Foreign Affairs of France presented his proposal of establishment of the European Community for Coal and Steel. In Paris, in a surrounding of a threat of the Third World War which took over the whole of Europe, he on that May 9 presented to journalists from the whole world declaration which invites France, Germany and other European countries to join their production of coal and steel as the “first concrete foundation of the European federation”. This proposal, better known as “Schuman’s Declaration”, is considered the start of forming the European Union as it is today.
What the Declaration proposed was establishment of “supranational” European institution, in charge of managing coal and steel industries, sectors, which at that time were the basis of all military power. Idea was that that power is no longer used for conflicts which decimated Europe not too long before that and left the feeling of material and moral degradation.
This great idea was fully realized in practice. It placed firm foundations of the greatest supranational structure in the modern world. Every country which joins the European family accepts its fundamental principles of peace and solidarity. These values found its expression through economic and social development, which together with regional principle and a dimension of protection of living environment, guarantee worthy living standard to all the citizens.
The day of presentation of the Schuman’s declaration in Paris, today is considered the beginning of the European Union. That is why the Council of the European Union in Milan, in 1985, adopted a decision, according to which May 9 of every day is celebrated as the Europe Day.
The Europe Day is an opportunity for activities and festivals which bring Europe Closer to its citizens. For visitors, on that day all the institutions of the European Union are open. Slogan of the accompanying actions, every year is determined by the country which is in that period the presiding of the European Union.
This day is celebrated also in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Commission Delegation in our country every year organises series of meetings, receptions and culture – artistic manifestations, in honor of May 9 – the Europe Day and which gather high officials and persons from political, culture and public life.