In his historic address on 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman proposed a new supranational model for Europe, a visionary idea of European unity and solidarity that marked the beginning of the European Union as we know it today.
This year, Europe Day comes at a momentous time for the European Union and our 27 Member States: EU citizens are heading to the polls 6-9 June to elect their representatives in the 720-seat European Parliament. It is one of the biggest democratic events on the planet and the world’s only multinational elections.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the EU-10 enlargement. History was made on 1 May 2004 when 10 Central, Eastern and Mediterranean countries joined the European Union. It was the largest single enlargement in terms of territory, population and number of countries. European Union membership means peace, stability and prosperity.
Illuminations have certainly become a Europe Day tradition in Canada. If you are a photo enthusiast or a professional photographer, get your camera ready.
Highlights of Europe Day activities this year include:
Light shows for Europe Day
Illuminations have certainly become a Europe Day tradition in Canada. If you are a photo enthusiast or a professional photographer, get your camera ready. We will turn on the blue and yellow light switches on a number of Canadian iconic on the eve of Europe Day, 8 May. Send us your photos and will make sure to share them on our socials.
Locations include:
• The Ottawa Sign
• Niagara Falls
• CN Tower, Toronto
• La Grande Roue de Montréal
At the same time, the European flag will also be raised at Ottawa City Hall and Queen’s Park in Toronto on 9 May, in recognition of Europe Day. Diplomatic receptions will also be held in Ottawa and Montreal, organized in collaboration with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Representation of the European Union to the International Civil Aviation Organization, respectively.
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It’s party time for Eurovision fans
Did you know ABBA, the legendary Swedish pop music group, turns 50 this year? Hard to believe, their music certainly feels as young as ever!
Come celebrate this milestone anniversary on Saturday, 11 May, at the best Eurovision watch party in Ottawa, organized by Alliance Française in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the Ottawa cluster of European Union National Institutes for Culture.
The Grand Finale of the Eurovision song contest will be streamed live between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The event also features Kahoot app trivia quizzes, live voting at each table, karaoke contests and door prizes offered by the embassies of EU Member States and the EU Delegation.
