Only five years after the Second World War, he proposed the creation of a supranational European institution. The countries which he called upon had almost destroyed each other, and reconciliation was a brave thing to imagine at that time. This year's celebrations will be especially poignant following the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 to the EU. In its citation, the Nobel Committee said that the EU had "for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe".
The European External Action Service (EEAS) will be joining the other European Institutions throughout the month of May to celebrate Europe Day worldwide. EU Delegations will be leading a range of different events in their host countries on the theme of Europe in the World. Lectures, competitions, film festivals and other events organised by the EU Delegations in cooperation with Member States' embassies will demonstrate the best the EU has to offer.
At its headquarters in Brussels, the EEAS marked the Europe Day by participating in the Open Doors Day organised by the European Council on 4th of May.
EEAS staff from the EU's military and civilian missions will be joined by colleagues from the thematic and geographic divisions to show to the public the work the European External Action Service does throughout the world. To mark Europe Day in New York City, the Empire State Building will light up in the EU's flag colors for the seventh time. This image shows what the renown landmark will look like on that day. For the past six years, the Empire State Building has been lit in EU colors to celebrate Europe Day - 9 May.
For more information on the Empire State Building, please visit www.esbnyc.com
2013 marks the 63rd Anniversary of Schuman's historic proposal for an integrated European coal and steel community.
Learn more about Europe Day activities around the world.
Picture: I love Europe - Copyright jef.europe via Flickr
