This May 9th, Renew Europe in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is calling on mayors, regional leaders, local councillors and citizens across the European Union to turn Europe Day into a powerful movement for unity, pride, and hope.
In an era of shifting global dynamics and unprecedented challenges, Europe Day is no longer just a date on the calendar – it is a moment to stand up for our values. As the most dedicated pro-European family in the European Committee of the Regions, we believe that the future of the European project isn’t just decided in Brussels; it is built in our town halls, our city squares, and our local communities.
Why We Celebrate
Seventy-six years after the Schuman Declaration, the European Union is being tested like never before. From the frontlines of Putin’s brutal war on Ukraine to the chilling reality of bots and AI-generated fakes flooding the internet with misinformation, the threats to our democracy are real. We are witnessing a world where old allies have turned into bullies; from the recent military intervention in Venezuela to the direct threats of a US takeover of Greenland, the message for Europe is clear: our Union must stand together to protect itself. As political tensions simmer across the world, from Iran to Georgia, we must remind ourselves that a strong and sovereign Europe is the solution. For liberals and democrats, the answer is clear: We must not only protect Europe; we must shape our Union to be strong and independent.
We celebrate Europe Day to remind ourselves that European unity is our best form of protection and progress. We celebrate to show that our cities and regions are the heartbeat of a sovereign, democratic, and prosperous European Union.
How to Get Involved
To support local and regional leaders, we have launched a dedicated platform: www.celebrateeuropeday.eu. On the portal, which features our latest guide, you will find a list of activities designed to engage everyone:
- For Schools: Organise a “Week of the European Union” with exhibitions, play the EU anthem during breaks, or host creative workshops where pupils craft “Flags of the European Union”.
- For Citizens: Host “Culinary Delights of Europe” dinner parties or invite Erasmus students to share the traditions and dishes of their home regions.
- For Local Authorities: Lead a guided tour of local sites that have been transformed by EU funding to show the tangible impact of European solidarity.
- Political Engagement: Host a “Model European Union” simulation at your local council or invite journalists and MEPs for a public discussion on the future of Europe.
- Public Celebrations: Organise concerts in your Old Town Square featuring music and dance from across the continent, or offer symbolic “European Citizenship Diplomas” to your residents.
Our Call to Action
We invite all politicians, local organisations, civil society members and citizens to take the lead. Being unapologetically pro-European means being honest about the external threats that are trying to fracture our Union and understanding the added-value of the EU. Let us use May 9th to launch a new impulse for European pride – one that protects our democracies and ensures a better life for the next generation!
