This year, Europe Day marks 75 years since Robert Schuman presented his proposal for a radically new form of European cooperation.
Just a few years after World War II - started by Nazi Germany - European leaders chose to turn the page and together bring back peace and prosperity to their war-torn countries. The Schuman Declaration, as early as 1950, laid the foundation for today’s European Union.
On this day, we reflect with admiration and gratitude on the courage, vision and determination of those early leaders, and those who have shaped our Union since.
This week, we also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. We reaffirm that wars of aggression must never again be allowed to shape the political and geographical map of our continent, or the world. We have a moral imperative to act in defence of fundamental international principles, and in support of Ukraine. As analysts and think tankers, we are committed to making our own, meaningful contribution to this cause.
Europe Day reminds us of the profound political dignity of our Union, its foundations, its values, and its purpose. It is a moment to acknowledge the responsibility our generation bears. We have benefitted greatly from European integration. Now, at this existential point in time, we must safeguard its future ensuring European security, freedom, democracy, and quality of life for generations to come.
Over the decades, successive European leaders, driven by the democratic support of their citizens, have shaped our Union into a framework for reuniting and strengthening the continent. This process has never been easy, and it is far from completed.
To find new opportunity and engage with a rapidly changing world, the European Union and its members must continue evolving. There’s a need to radically adapt to the new realities in Europe and the world: economically, politically, and in matters of security and defence. This includes reforming institutions and modes of working together with a growing number of countries that share a vision of a better future for their citizens through European unity.
In 1950, Europe was on its knees, deeply scarred by an unprecedented human catastrophe. And yet, out of devastation came strength, courage, and determination. Seventy-five years later, the EU and its member states possess tremendous collective agency. This is no small achievement – on the contrary. On Europe Day 2025, this joint source of strength must yet again inspire courage and decisive action.
Now it is on our generation to rise to today’s challenge. It is on us to ensure that future Europeans can live in lasting peace, prosperity and security – sustainably and together.
Fabian Zuleeg is Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre.
Janis A. Emmanouilidis is Director of Studies at the European Policy Centre.
Almut Möller is Director for European and Global Affairs and Head of the Europe in the World programme at the European Policy Centre.
Emma Woodford is the Chief Operating Officer at the European Policy Centre at the European Policy Centre.
Maral Bedrossian is the Chief Financial Officer at the European Policy Centre at the European Policy Centre.
Elizabeth Kuiper is the Associate Director & Head of the Social Europe and Well-being Programme at the European Policy Centre.
Georg Emil Riekeles is an Associate Director and Head of the European Political Economy Programme at the European Policy Centre.
Corina Stratulat is an Associate Director and Head of the European Politics and Institutions Programme at the European Policy Centre.
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