Europe Day, celebrated annually on 9 May, will this year be marked by the illumination of major landmarks across the European Union. Over 60 cities will participate in this event, which also serves as a one-month countdown to the European Elections scheduled for 6-9 June.
Landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Grand Place in Brussels will be lit up with the election campaign slogan, “Use your vote. Or others will decide for you.” or the European flag between 8 May and 9 May.
Other participating monuments include the national Parliament in Vienna, the Samuel Beckett Bridge and national parliament buildings in Dublin, Vilnius’ town hall, Fort St Angelo in Valletta, the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, Cibeles square in Madrid, and the National Parliament in Bucharest.
This initiative is a collaboration between the European Parliament and national and local authorities, aiming to send a message of unity to the 440 million European citizens. The goal is to emphasize the importance of these elections for everyone’s future.
Europe Day, marking the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman declaration’, celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The declaration, which proposed a new form of political cooperation in Europe, is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.
Footage and pictures of the illuminated monuments will be available after the event.