9 May: Europe Day

Europe Day is the name of the annual observance by the European Union (EU). Celebrated each 9 May, it is also known as Schuman Day, in commemoration of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which proposed the pooling of French and West German coal and steel industries, leading to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the first European Community, established in 1952 and it is the EU’s equivalent of a national day.

ALDE is the group that stands firm for European values. We believe the European Union is a community of values. ALDE believes values are the outcome of ongoing public debate, of the confrontation of ideas and convictions, of a process shaped, directed and owned by citizens themselves. ALDE puts values first.

The European Union is not only an economic powerhouse, but it has great moral authority in the world. We can be proud our values have inspired many around the world, and many people dream of living in the kind of free, fair, stable and democratic society we have in Europe. So much so that others see our values as a threat, something they seek to destroy. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are not just ideals. They are essential for the functioning of the European Union in all policy areas. Without democracy, our public authorities would lack the legitimacy needed to make good public policies. Social justice is a precondition for a stable climate for investment and development. Respect for fundamental rights is vital for common migration policies and police cooperation. The rule of law is absolutely essential for the internal market and investor confidence. Our common standards on democracy, the rule of law and human rights are the corner stones of our foreign and security policies. ALDE is the group that stands firm for European values. We believe the European Union is a community of values.

www.alde.eu