Europe Day: what to celebrate on this 75th anniversary?
The Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950 is widely regarded as the birth of today's EU: then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), whose six founding states were initially to pool their production. Europe Day 2025 is a thought-provoking 75th anniversary, as a look at the commentary sections shows.
Only as a team can we play in the premier league
Eldiario.es calls for unity:
“The EU's main problem is an internal one and it's called nationalism. ... A disease making a comeback from the darkest chapters in our history. ... In seven European countries far-right parties either lead the government, form part of it, support it or have won the latest elections. ... This is not the Europe we want but one that is making us question whether it is worth our staying together. ... Nevertheless, Europe is still the only way forward. None of the countries are capable of standing alone in this current world of imperialist confrontations. ... And none can control the powerful multinationals or investment funds on its own. ... There is no alternative. Only if we stand firmly together can we Europeans opt to play in the premier league.”
Take on a stronger leading role
Diena reflects:
“The biggest problem the EU faces this spring is not bureaucracy but its priorities regarding current global challenges. These include the so-called European Green Deal and the fight against climate change, which have recently met with scepticism in Latvia and other countries. It is also clear that given the current international situation with Russia's aggression in Ukraine, China making no secret of its economic ambitions and the US demonstrating its unpredictability, the EU should take on a stronger global leadership role and present the world with its own agenda. Whether the EU is up to this task only time will tell.”