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Slovakia celebrates Europe Day

Updated 05.05.2023
Published 05.05.2023

Europe Day, observed on May 9, celebrates unity and is a symbolic birthday of the European Union. the Schuman Declaration was signed on this very day 73 years ago, proposing an organization that integrated the steel and coal industries. The alliance would later serve as the basis for the integration of other European countries and evolve into the union it is known today.

On the occasion of this event, the day is a cause for celebration as well for various EU institutions such as the European Parliament, the EU Council, the European Commission and many others, not to mention delegations and re For Slovakia. A member state since 2004, the values of democracy, rule of law, solidarity, the protection of basic human rights and freedoms, and observance of international law unite the country in the heart of Europe with other members presentations around the world. Slovakia will organize activities both online and in their individual regions.

Citizens will have the unique opportunity to explore the EU through, for example, Open Doors Day, and gain first-hand insight into how it functions.

Even if you’re not located in Brussels, Strasbourg, or Luxembourg, that does not mean you can’t participate in any way. Various events will take place in several Slovak cities to allow participants to learn about the European Union, its individual member states, and the many opportunities they create for their people.

In Košice, the cultural and economic centre of eastern Slovakia, a special event in the form of a European Village will be held on May 5. The visitor will learn about how democracy works, how to protect themselves against hoaxes and misinformation, and an overview of important masterpieces of European cinema that made history.

In Bratislava’s Old Market Hall venue, organized by the European Commission Representation in Slovakia, European Parliament Liaison Office and others, a special programme is dedicated to European Day in the form of challenges, booths, an EdUtainer intended for a younger audience, workshops and more. The event will take place on May 9.

The next day, the residents of Žilina, north Slovakia, will be able to participate in similar activities as well.

These events offer an opportunity for citizens to learn more about how the EU promotes peace, security and democracy, as well as to better familiarize themselves with its efforts to build a green, digital and competitive Europe.

This year's Europe Day is observed at a time when several epoch-making events have occurred consecutively, i.e., the coronavirus pandemic, Russia's unjustified war against Ukraine, and the environment and climate crisis. These events are not constrained to a particular place, they concern the whole world, including the European Union and thus even Slovakia.

The country is providing help in every one of these challenges. For example, when it comes to Ukraine, Slovakia has donated its air-defense system, fighter jets, as well as provided shelter for refugees.

Challenges such as these can only be met through joint efforts, coordination and cooperation with partners and allies in the EU.