Europe Day, held on 9 May every year, celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe's nations unthinkable.

His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.

The ANU Centre for European Studies (ANUCES) delivers the Schuman Lecture Series in honour of Robert Schuman and his vision. See our Schuman Lecture webpage for more information.

Europe Day activities around the globe

Europe Day activities and events will be held throughout the whole month of May around the world.

This year's focus is on be "European Year for Cultural Heritage”. For more information, visit the European Union website.