The Old Continent celebrates May 9 – Europe Day, marking the anniversary of the historic Declaration of the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Schuman, who on May 9, 1950 proposed a new model of economic and political cooperation in Europe, namely the formation of the Community European Coal and Steel.
At the same time, May 9 is the day when the victory over fascism is celebrated, which will also be marked by a series of events in European countries.
Europe Day is traditionally celebrated on May 9 every year. It was initially designated by Europe Council as Europe Day, but the European Union later designated May 9 as a commemoration of Schuman’s 1950 declaration.
Europe Day is the date when the first step was taken towards the creation of what is today known as the European Union. French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman read out a statement to the international press calling on France, Germany and other European countries to unite their coal and steel products, which would be “the first concrete foundation for a Federation of future Europe”. The countries to which the call was addressed had emerged materially and morally devastated by conflicts with each other. What Schuman proposed was the creation of a supranational European institution, which would administer the coal and steel industry, a sector which at the time was the basis of military power.
Even today, the aspirations of Albania and many countries remain with the desire for unification of legislation and EU membership. I hope and wish this for Albania and the Albanians that the time for the Albanian state to join be short and to realize a much desired aspiration for all of us!
Congratulations and continuity for decades for the European Union!