Europe Day is the celebration of peace and unity after the great war in the European continent

CIU Department of International Relations Department Head, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Direkli, speaking within the scope of 5th May Europe Day stated, “Europe day is the celebration of peace and unity after the great war in the European continent”.

Stating that Europe day is celebrated as two separate dates across the world, Direkli went on to say, “The European Council was established on 5th May, 1949, when 10 countries signed the London Agreement. The other date celebrated as Europe Day is on 9th May. This date is the date for the European Union”.

Stating that in order to ensure reconciliation between the people of Europe, who suffered great material and moral loss due to the Second World War, the Council of Europe was established, Assist. Prof. Dr. Direkli noted that they wanted to establish a trusting and cooperative environment, which is based on common institutions, standards, and contracts, instead of the ongoing tension and conflict prevalent in the continent.

Giving information in relation to the councils basic aims, Direkli advised, “It can be summarized as Human rights, to protect and strengthen the rule of law and the principles of pluralist democracy, as well as finding solutions to problems such as minorities, racism, intolerance and xenophobia, social exclusion, drugs and the environment, while contributing to the establishment and development of the European cultural identity.

Explaining that since 1964, the 5th May has been accepted as a day of celebration and holiday, Assist. Prof. Dr. Direkli went on to advise, “In 1985 the European Communities (later becoming the European Union) adopted the European symbols of the Council and with this, the community leaders decided to celebrate Europe Day on this date, in memory of the 9th May 1950 Robert Schuman Declaration. With the European Parliament’s decision taken on October 2008, it was accepted that 9th May would be the European Union Day, a holiday and day of celebration”.

Stating that in many European countries, both dates are celebrated, Direkli advised that people are provided information in relation to the Council of Europe and the European Union, with various conferences held to support this partnership, Direkli also noted that despite 9th May being preferred as the day of celebration for visibility reasons of the European Union, due to the Council of Europe's role in defending human rights, parliamentary democracy and the rule of law, more attention is paid to the celebrations of 5th May Europe Day among some European countries.