Europe Day: A Celebration of the Legacy

Ambassador of the EU to India, Mr. Hervé Delphin and The Europe India Journal Publisher/ EICBI Chairman Mr. Sujit S Nair exchanging pleasantries at the Europe Day Celebration in Delhi.

The Europe Day which marks the beginning of the establishment of the idea of making a very successful entity as EU rooted in values of peace, unity and democratic cooperation. The historical proposal by the French Foreign Minister in 1950, Robert Schuman gave birth to the foundational Schuman Declaration for European cooperation.

As the EU commemorates the 75th anniversary of the declaration, EU has come forward way ahead from what started has European Coal and Steel Community. Today, EU has evolved into an entity which represents 27 member states in Europe with a population of 449.3 million people. EU has created legacy in its 75 years of journey, with phenomenal achievements in its track record such as the establishment of a single market, enabling the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital, and introduction of the euro, a common currency used by 20 member states, facilitating trade and travel and also enhancing the EU’s standing in the global economy. Adding up with the economic successes, EU also holds social and cultural initiatives like the Erasmus+ programme and in the sphere of climate action, EU has forged ahead taking leadership, addressing global challenges like climate change through devising climate policies such as European Green Deal aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Furthermore, the EU has established itself as a normative power, projecting values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law both within and beyond its borders. The Copenhagen Criteria, which set conditions for accession, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, are examples of the EU’s commitment to upholding these core principles.

The celebration of Europe day is taken up with great enthusiasm and symbolic importance across member states and EU institutions. As part of the celebration, the EU headquarters in Brussels and Strasbourg are opened to the public, offering citizens an immersive experience of how European democracy functions. Cultural events, debates, concerts, and exhibitions are also held, engaging youth, scholars, diplomats, and the general public alike in reflecting on Europe’s shared values of inclusivity. Schools and universities mark the day by organising educational events that encourage students to understand and appreciate the legacy and aspirations of the Union. Thus, in an era where misinformation and Euroscepticism pose challenges, Europe Day becomes even more vital as a tool for fostering dialogue and civic education.

The joys of celebration are also spread cross borders - in New Delhi, the official reception of the European Union for Europe Day Celebration was held and Chairman of EICBI, Mr. Sujit Nair attended the event following an official invitation extended by the Ambassador of the European Union to India, His Excellency Mr. Hervé Delphin. The celebrations were attended by India's External Affairs Minister Mr Jaishankar and Ambassadors from all EU member countries including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Cyprus, Greece amongst others.

Europe, which was a continent devastated by two world wars, today through its resilience and ambitious efforts has become an exemplary entity. The important lesson the EU teaches us is that, wars don’t yield us anything than destruction, but sustained and meaningful efforts towards peace, cooperation and unity serves us with lasting progress and collective well-being. Thus, as the EU looks ahead, the core ideals set forth in 1950 remain relevant. Unity in diversity, cooperation over conflict, and the strength of collective will continue to guide the European project.