Europe Day, 9th of May 2025

Every year on May 9th, Europe Day is celebrated, an occasion to commemorate peace and unity in the European continent. This date marks the anniversary of the "Schuman Declaration," a speech given in 1950 by the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman regarding a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between European nations unthinkable. Schuman's proposal is considered the starting point of what we know today as the European Union.

In 2025, Europe Day takes on a special significance, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. This occasion offers an opportunity to rediscover the history and importance of Schuman's ideas and to understand how these have contributed to shaping the EU as we know it today. The declaration is based on two fundamental principles: peace and solidarity, concepts that remain at the core of the European project.

This year, on the occasion of this significant anniversary, the Coordinamento Nazionale degli Enti Locali per la Pace will organize the Widespread Peace Festival throughout Italy. The Municipality of Padua, which is part of the Coordinamento Nazionale degli Enti Locali per la Pace, will also hold an event dedicated to promoting peace in society. This mobilization aims to say no to all wars, the arms race, and international impunity.

The event will take place on Friday, May 9th at 6:30 PM in front of Palazzo Moroni and is organized by the Municipality of Padua, in collaboration with the Human Rights Centre "Antonio Papisca" of the University of Padua, the executive of the Register of Associations for Peace, Human Rights and International Cooperation, and the United for Peace coordination. All citizens are invited to participate in this public mobilization featuring art, music, and words to reflect on the need and urgency for peace.

For more information about the event, please consult the following link: https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/en/activities/extraordinary-mobilization-music-words-and-images-for-a-city-of-peace-padua-may-9-2025