Each year, on the 9^th May, the European Union celebrates peace, solidarity, diversity and unity in Europe. This date marks the anniversary of the historic 'Schuman declaration' in which Robert Schuman set out the beautiful project, the beautiful dream, of the European Union.

With wars raging around us, from Ukraine to Gaza, the message that former enemies can make peace and build a better future is more relevant than ever.

In his opening remarks, EU Ambassador Carl Hallergård highlighted that the European Union is itself evidence that conflicts and challenges can be overcome if we stand and work together in support of international law, multilateralism, human rights and justice.

In exactly one month, on 9^th June, some 400 million EU citizens go to elect a new European Parliament and renew the democratic mandate of our European institutions and our European leaders.

First Vice President of the European Parliament, Mr Othmar Karas, reminded us in his intervention, in name of Team Europe, on the importance of the elections and of the democratic process.

Federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Ms Leonore Gewessler highlighted the importance of the European Union and its strength in unity and diversity.

 The Europe Day event was concluded with a musical intermezzo, with an unique version of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, specially created for the EU Delegation in 2020 during the Covid19 pandemic. The music was kindly offered by Embassy and Permanent Representations of the Kingdom of Belgium in honour of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union