Europe Day is commemorated
each year across the Continent, on the 9th of May. It is a
celebration of peace, unity and stability in Europe, established in the
aftermath of World War Two.
For decades this day
reminded Europeans their path from war, death and destruction, to democracy,
peace and progress. It commemorated the achievements of their continent, for
the past 70 years.
Yet, recently, Europe is
faced with more challenges ahead. As an aftermath of the economic crisis, the
continent is divided.
Many radical, euro-skeptic,
right-wing and conservative political parties have found once more a way to
become prominent in European politics. Their popularity rose in several EU
states, due to the continuous economic woes and the immigration crisis.
European citizens seem
rather apathetic to the significance of this day. They take the privileges they
enjoy from Europe’s achievements for granted, which others are desperate to
acquire and even risking their lives to enter our continent.
In such considerably
negative climate, one would argue that the commemoration of the 9th of May is increasingly becoming irrelevant.
On the contrary, it is not
only still very much relevant, but it could become a platform for a different
kind of celebrations.
Instead of waving EU flags
or limiting the commemorations in EU institutions and government bodies, we
could establish an annual citizens debate.
By using international,
national and local media, or online think tanks and platforms, the
commemorations of the Europe Day can no longer be about the Continent’s past;
rather, they can start focusing more on its future.
The 9th of May could be the day that Europeans participate
in a cross-continental exchange of ideas, debating on and shaping the continent
they would like to live in.
Europe’s Day should be a
celebration of “Europeaness,” promoting active citizenship and engagement.
Citizens could additionally be informed about their rights and how currently
the EU works, while also be given the opportunity to discuss how things could
be improved.
Our continent came a long
way since its post war era and its efforts to rebuild itself. Now while its
achievements cannot be forgotten, it is time for Europe to reinvent itself.
Our nations are faced with
new challenges and more obstacles to overcome. Perhaps once we manage to deal
with them, Europe’s Day could become something more than a commemoration of an
idea and past achievements.
In coming times, it could
become a day that defines the future.