On Saturday, May 9, Ukraine is celebrating Europe Day together with the countries of the European Union.
According to Ukrinform, the holiday was established by Presidential Decree No. 266/2023, signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 8, 2023.
“Recognizing the European identity of the Ukrainian people, with the aim of strengthening the unity of the peoples of Europe, ensuring peace, security, and stability on the European continent, affirming commitment to the ideals and values of democracy, and supporting initiatives of youth and other public associations, I hereby decree the establishment of Europe Day in Ukraine, to be celebrated annually on May 9 jointly with the states of the European Union,” the document states.
The decree also repealed the previous presidential decree of April 19, 2003, under which Europe Day in Ukraine had been celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May.
As noted by the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, following the end of World War II, European countries began developing principles for political cooperation and economic integration.
On May 9, 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed establishing joint coordination and control over heavy industry in Europe. He suggested developing the foundations of a common policy to achieve solidarity in this sector. The path toward implementing the Schuman Plan was to be the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community.
Under Schuman’s vision, France, Germany, and other European countries would transfer management of coal and steel production to a single authority. As a result of such integration, key sectors of the military industry would also come under shared control, making it impossible for any one country to prepare independently for another war.
On April 18, 1951, the Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community was signed. It was initially ratified by six countries: France, Germany, Italy, and the Benelux states – Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The organization was open to other European nations.
Today, the Schuman Declaration is widely regarded as the official beginning of the process of European integration. That is why Europe Day is celebrated in the EU on May 9.
