“Today, we celebrate the united Europe that arose from the ashes of the Second World War.
Sixty-five years ago the Schuman declaration set out that only by breaking the cycle of violence and vengeance could our societies build enduring security and prosperity together. Only in unity could Europe preserve peace. This was the beginning of the European integration process but still many European nations had to struggle for freedom from totalitarian and authoritarian regimes.
We will never forget the catastrophe of the Second World War, triggered by contempt for people and nations. Seventy years ago, still in living memory, our peoples faced each other on the battlefields. Today, we are the closest partners, allies and friends.
It is our responsibility to promote peace, freedom, democracy, solidarity and prosperity, both in Europe and beyond. United in the European Union, seeing our diversity as our strength, we will continue this task.”
– Joint statement on Europe Day 9 May 2015 by the members of the European Council.
Source: European Council
Video message by Donald Tusk on Europe Day : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_uMBKKhzTw
Photo: http://ec.europa.eu