9 May: The Commission marks Europe Day by celebrating European solidarity and unity, and rewards high-quality teaching about the EU

Europe Day 2020 takes place under very exceptional circumstances in all Member States, as Europe is active on all fronts to fight the coronavirus crisis. This year’s Europe Day marks important milestones for the European Union: the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, and the 25th anniversary of the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden to the EU. The European institutions will mark the day together by celebrating European solidarity and unity with an online campaign. Ahead of 9 May 2020, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The objective of European solidarity is more valid than ever. Solidarity was put to the test at the beginning of the crisis. And then we started sharing and helping each other: de facto solidarity. This solidarity must continue.” The President as well as all Commissioners will be active on the day and engage with Europeans through video messages, social media (#EuropeDay), webinars, video debates, online seminars and appearances in written and audio-visual media. Executive Vice-President Timmermans, High Representative Borrell, Vice-Presidents Šefčovič and Šuica, and Commissioners Gabriel, Breton and Vălean will hold citizens’ dialogues on key moments of European integration as well as its future European perspectives. More information is available here. Ahead of Europe Day tomorrow, the European Commission is also awarding the “Jan Amos Comenius Prize for high-quality teaching about the European Union” today. The prize goes to 22 secondary schools from across Europe that teach about the European Union in a creative way. It highlights the importance of teaching and learning about the EU in an inspirational way. More information is available in this press release.