A revolutionary idea envisioned by French Foreign Affairs Minister Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950, to inseparably connect the economies of once warring European countries in order to establish a lasting peace, stability, and security, by placing the coal and steel production under a common High Authority, led to the European Union as we know it. This is the reason why this particular date is celebrated as Europe Day, not only in the EU, but throughout the world as well.
The European Union is one of the most successful projects in modern history, and despite challenges Western Balkans countries are faced with, they are offered a chance to join the EU and experience the benefits of peace and security united Europe can offer, said Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport. Lithuanian experience serves as an example of a successful EU integration, and may be useful for Serbia on its own EU path, said Ambassador at the conference on Lithuanian EU accession experience, held within the Europe Open programme to mark the Europe Day (9 May) in Serbia.
Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport has offered support to Serbia’s LGBTI community and its efforts to hold 2014 Pride Week and the Pride Parade, saying he will personally take part in the Pride Week.
On Wednesday 7 May 2014 the manifestation “European Village”, organised within the celebration of Europe Day in Zrenjanin, was a true example of the European Union motto “united in diversity”. “Zrenjanin and Vojvodina together make a great example of this motto, and this should remain so throughout Serbia’s EU path,” said Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Oskar Benedikt.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle said Tuesday in Pristina that the formal negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and Kosovo had been concluded, adding that key priorities for further Kosovo’s EU integrations are to continue dialogue with Serbia, to hold free and fair general elections and continue work on the rule of law.
The winners of the 2014 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards were honoured Monday, May 5 during a ceremony in Vienna.
The European Union would step up its support to Serbia in this new phase of EU integration process, EU Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle said during the visit to Belgrade on May 5, but listed three key priorities that the EU considered for Serbia in the coming months: economic reforms, rule of law and further normalisation of relations with Pristina.
The European Union on Saturday welcomed the release of seven OSCE observers in Ukraine, but expressed a deep sadness over the victims of fire and violence in Odessa, urging “everyone to exercise utmost restraint” and does not fuel further violence.
On the 21th anniversary of World Press Freedom day, the EU reiterates that free, diverse and independent media constitutes one of the cornerstones of a democratic society by facilitating the free flow of information and ideas, and by ensuring transparency and accountability.
The largest enlargement of the European Union, when on May 1st 2014 ten countries from eastern and central Europe joined then 15-member bloc, contributed to prosperity in our era, strengthened position and further strengthened Europe’s weight in the world, said President of the European Commission Hose Manuel Barroso.
