Europe Day in Canada

10.05.2023 Press and information team of the Delegation to CANADA

Every year on 9 May, Europeans and friends of Europe celebrate Europe Day, the historic day in 1950 when the French foreign minister at the time called on European nations to unite in the wake of the Second World War.

In his celebrated address, known as the Schuman Declaration, Robert Schuman proposed a new supranational model for Europe, a visionary idea based on sharing responsibilities and on solidarity among nations. This marked the genesis of the European Union.

Today Schuman’s passionate call for unity and solidarity resonates more than ever before. Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine has reawakened the European spirit of unity and solidarity in ways not seen in the 21st century. It has reinforced our commitment to standing up for freedom, human rights and liberal values shared by millions around the world.

Europe Day in Canada offers an occasion for Europeans and friends of Europe across the country to come together and celebrate these values and our lasting friendship. A series of activities are planned for this special occasion, including Europe Day receptions in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto, in collaboration with the EU Member States diplomatic community.

Highlights also include:

Second annual EURO Challenge

The second annual EURO Challenge will take place at Ottawa Art Gallery 2 -3 May, a two-day competitive event aimed at Grade 9 and 10 students interested in European economic affairs. Contestants are tasked to recommend policies in response to an economic-related challenge they identified.

This year’s edition brings together 40 participants from Ottawa and Toronto to compete in eight teams, with the winning team to be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Dr. Melita Gabrič, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada.

Launched in 2006 in the U.S., EURO Challenge has attracted thousands of high school students in North America.

EURO Challenge winners will be announced on EU Delegation’s social media channels @EUinCanada.

Model EU simulation draws university students

As many as 100 students from 13 Canadian universities participate in a Model EU simulation at Carleton University between 6 and 7 May. Students assume the role of EU Members States leaders and have the chance to learn more about the functioning of the European Union by negotiating a common-ground position on an issue, while perfecting their leadership and diplomatic skills.

Winners will be announced on EU Delegation’s social media channels @EUinCanada.

Lighting shows across Canada

It would not be Europe Day without the customary lighting shows across the country. On 9 May, Canadian landmarks and iconic sites are lit up in blue and yellow, the colours of both the EU and Ukrainian flags, in a show of our continued solidarity with Ukraine.
Illumination locations include:

Ottawa Sign
Niagara Falls
CN Tower, Toronto
Bloedel Conservatory, Vancouver
Nova Scotia Province House, Halifax
Halifax City Hall

Flag-raisings also take place on 9 May at Ottawa City Hall and Queen’s Park in Toronto.

Photos will be shared on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels. Send in your photos or tag us @EUinCanada, and we will share them on our channels.

“Europe: You have a place in Canada”

A social media campaign will highlight the personal connection that people in Canada have with Europe through stories and pictures submitted by Canadians who have travelled to the continent. Twice a week, starting on 9 May, we will ask our social media audiences to submit pictures of their favourite place(s) in Europe and explain their particular story with that place.

Spotlight on Eurovision

Ever fancied yourself a singer? Are you a Eurovision enthusiast? Here’s your chance to test your music talent and Eurovision knowledge!

Alliance française, in collaboration with the Maison de la Francophonie d’Ottawa and the Ottawa cluster of European Union National Institutes for Culture, are hosting a party during the Eurovision finals on 13 May. The 2023 grand finale will be streamed live on the big screen at the Ottawa event, which will also feature live voting, trivia quizzes, karaoke contests and prizes.

The event will get underway on 13 May at 2:30 p.m. at Maison de la Francophonie d'Ottawa located at 2720 Richmond Rd. Tickets: $10/general, $5/members. Limited spots. Get your ticket here.

Europe Month ends at the movies

Europe Month will wrap up on a cinematic note with the 10^th annual European Union Short Film Festival (EUSFF) at Ottawa Art Gallery 26-27 May.

Our popular short film festival returns as a live event with a new collection of 22 short films, presented in three programmes and featuring the best of recent short works in drama, documentary and animation.

Participating European Union Member States include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The EUSFF is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Film Institute, the embassies of EU Member States and the European Union National Institutes for Culture.

Screenings take place in the Alma Duncan Salon at Ottawa Art Gallery, Friday, 26 May at 7 p.m. and Saturday, 27 May, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. More derails here.