DAY of Europe – May 9 – commemorates the 1950 declaration by French Foreign Minister Robert Schumann of the concept now known as the European Union.
On this day 51 years ago Schumann presented the ‘Schumann Declaration,’ a proposal for the creation of a unified Europe, describing it as indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.
Today Europe Day has become a European symbol which along with the emblem and the anthem (Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony), identifies the political entity of the European Union. Europe Day is an occasion for activities and festivities designed to bring Europe closer to its citizens and peoples of the union closer to one another.
It is an occasion for providing information and encouraging discussion on European Union issues, and for festivities that bring together people and cultures from different European countries.
Europe Day was celebrated in Bulgaria on Wednesday by awarding the winners working on a project organised by the European Projects show broadcast on Bulgarian National Radio’s Hristo Botev programme. The project – My European Project – Europe, My Personal Choice – was announced on air last month and 54 listeners took part.
The contest was open to all listeners over 18, the idea was to present how they viewed their own place in the European world – and their ideas for communication between other European countries in the sphere of education, career and leisure activities and time.
The winners were Todor Bozhkov of Kyustendil and Krassimira Zafirova of Pernik. They won a four-day visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels. The youth winner was Teodora Stoyanova of Sofia, who wins a two-week trip to Paris this summer.
Bozhkov told The Echo: “The creation of a united Europe is undoubtedly one of the greatest historical undertakings of the 20th century. It is a process grounded in the positive values with which our civilization identifies. What is important is the preservation of peace, economic and social progress, respect for people and the predominance of right over might. That was the main theme of my essay.”
Swedish ambassador Sten Ask, was an honorary chairman of the jury and said: “On behalf of the EU agenda and enlargement I welcome future EU members in the coming 10 years. I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the initiative that the local radio started and finalised. What was common in all 54 contestants was the originality, creativity and artistic values. They impressed me so much.”
Christophe Chaillot, an attache in the French study area with the French Cultural Institute told The Echo: “After a very difficult selection from many deserving works I would happily share with you that the knowledge on economics, policy and Bulgarian people were present in all works. Attachment to the country and the hope of wide development were the creative things in all of the works.”
Other commemorative events during the weeklong Europe Day celebrations was a concert at the National Theatre Ivan Vazov on Wednesday.
Inside the theatre there was an exhibition presenting EU projects involving Bulgarian non-governmental organisations. Swedish and European songs were performed in the open space in the garden in front of Ivan Vazov Theatre.
On this day 51 years ago Schumann presented the ‘Schumann Declaration,’ a proposal for the creation of a unified Europe, describing it as indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.
Today Europe Day has become a European symbol which along with the emblem and the anthem (Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony), identifies the political entity of the European Union. Europe Day is an occasion for activities and festivities designed to bring Europe closer to its citizens and peoples of the union closer to one another.
It is an occasion for providing information and encouraging discussion on European Union issues, and for festivities that bring together people and cultures from different European countries.
Europe Day was celebrated in Bulgaria on Wednesday by awarding the winners working on a project organised by the European Projects show broadcast on Bulgarian National Radio’s Hristo Botev programme. The project – My European Project – Europe, My Personal Choice – was announced on air last month and 54 listeners took part.
The contest was open to all listeners over 18, the idea was to present how they viewed their own place in the European world – and their ideas for communication between other European countries in the sphere of education, career and leisure activities and time.
The winners were Todor Bozhkov of Kyustendil and Krassimira Zafirova of Pernik. They won a four-day visit to the European Union headquarters in Brussels. The youth winner was Teodora Stoyanova of Sofia, who wins a two-week trip to Paris this summer.
Bozhkov told The Echo: “The creation of a united Europe is undoubtedly one of the greatest historical undertakings of the 20th century. It is a process grounded in the positive values with which our civilization identifies. What is important is the preservation of peace, economic and social progress, respect for people and the predominance of right over might. That was the main theme of my essay.”
Swedish ambassador Sten Ask, was an honorary chairman of the jury and said: “On behalf of the EU agenda and enlargement I welcome future EU members in the coming 10 years. I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the initiative that the local radio started and finalised. What was common in all 54 contestants was the originality, creativity and artistic values. They impressed me so much.”
Christophe Chaillot, an attache in the French study area with the French Cultural Institute told The Echo: “After a very difficult selection from many deserving works I would happily share with you that the knowledge on economics, policy and Bulgarian people were present in all works. Attachment to the country and the hope of wide development were the creative things in all of the works.”
Other commemorative events during the weeklong Europe Day celebrations was a concert at the National Theatre Ivan Vazov on Wednesday.
Inside the theatre there was an exhibition presenting EU projects involving Bulgarian non-governmental organisations. Swedish and European songs were performed in the open space in the garden in front of Ivan Vazov Theatre.
