Bulgaria Salutes Europe Day

The flags of Varna Municipality, Bulgaria and the European Union are hoisted in front of the building of the coastal town municipality on May 9. Celebrations to mark Europe day wereheld on Saturday in cities and towns all across Bulgaria. Photo by BGNES

The Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria organized on Saturday a series of events to mark Europe Day.

On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organized Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations.

This proposal, known as the "Schuman declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union. The day was adopted as the EU flag day at the Milan European Council summit in 1985.

Today, the 9th of May has become an European symbol (Europe Day) which, along with the flag, the anthem, the motto and the single currency (the euro), identifies the political entity of the European Union. Europe Day is the occasion for activities and festivities that bring Europe closer to its citizens and peoples of the Union closer to one another.

In Sofia, a bicycle marathon began at 10:30 am in the park in front of the national "Ivan Vazov" theater. The marathon was organized by the Association "Parents" with the support of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria and the Czech Presidency of the European Union.

The event continues at 11:00 am in Sofia's South Park.

Also at 11:00 am a conference titled "My Voice for My Europe" began at the "Hilton" hotel. The conference was organized by the Association "Youth Media Network" under the patronage of the Bulgarian EC Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva, and the Member of the European Parliament, Christian Vigenin.

The European Information Center in Sofia "Europe Direct", the European Consumers Centers, the National Association of the Bulgarian Secondary Schools European Clubs  organized in the park in front of the "Sveti Sedmochislenitsi" church in downtown Sofia a party including games, dances and performances. Meglena Kuneva is scheduled to visit the event and greet the participants.

The Day of Europe ended with a spectacular concert beginning at 6:30 pm on the square in front of the "Alexander Nevski" cathedral. The concert was also organized by the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, the Czech Presidency of the European Union, and Sofia's City Hall.

Some of Bulgaria's most popular pop singers and bands took the stage along with choirs and folk groups.

The Mayor of Sofia, Boyko Borisov, the Czech Ambassador to Bulgaria, Martin Klepetko, and Meglena Kuneva addressed the audience.

Celebrations also took place in numerous cities and towns all across Bulgaria.

May 9 coincides with Victory Day, the end of World War II. It is celebrated on 8 May in Western Europe and on May 9 in Russia and many of the former Soviet Union states.

 

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