On Saturday, fourteen EU missions, including EUBAM Rafah, celebrated Europe Day 2019 together with the European institutions in Brussels. The doors were open to the public and the annual Open Day attracted thousands of visitors of all ages. They were entertained by cultural performances, had their faces painted, met Captain Europe, won awards at the Wheel of Fortune and became wiser on how the EU engages with its neighbours.
69 years ago, on 9 May 1950, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Shuman delivered a speech in Paris in which he set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe that would make future wars between Europe's nations unthinkable.
Five years after the end of World War II, his vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage the production of coal and steel. At that time, the two most essential armament materials. A year later, six European countries signed a treaty creating such a body – the European Coal and Steel Community. Robert Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is today the European Union.
9 May – Europe Day – marks the anniversary of the 'Schuman declaration' and celebrates peace and unity in Europe. EU offices in Europe and in EU Delegations all over the world celebrates this day. The festivities include a variety of activities including guided tours, debates and cultural and artistic events to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU.
Top photo: On the occasion of Europe Day (9 May), Mission Members represented EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS at the EU Institutions’ Open Day in Brussels on 4 May 2019. Federica Mogherini, Vice-President of the European Commission, President of the Foreign Affairs Council and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy took time to visit the representatives from Palestine. From left: Jihan Ashhab, EUPOL COPPS; Peter Heepen and Abeer Assouli, EUBAM Rafah; Madame Mogherini and Hasse Resenbro, EUPOL COPPS.
Bottom photo: Vincenzo Coppola, the EU’s Civilian Operations Commander and Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability also visited the EUBAM Rafah/EUPOL COPPS desk. From left: Jihan Ashhab, EUPOL COPPS; Abeer Assouli, EUBAM Rafah; Mr Vincenzo Coppola; Peter Heeben, EUBAM Rafah and Hasse Resenbro, EUPOL COPPS
