Happy Europe Day!

May 9th is Europe Day, marking the anniversary of the beginning of what is now the European Union. Back in 1950, talks began between France and Germany to create a common market in the coal and steel industries, but also to create an organization to improve cooperation between the two nations in order to prevent further war. In 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was formed and made up of 6 nations: Germany, France, Italy, and the 3 nations of the Benelux. This intention to create an economic community is known as the Schuman Declaration and was revealed on May 9th, 1950. Thus, Europe Day is celebrated today. The ECSC led to the European Economic Community and later the European Community, and now the 27 member European Union.

Europe Day is not really celebrated here in the Netherlands, it is more celebrated in Germany and France. But this is the first year that the European Union flag must be flown on the gov't buildings along with the Dutch flag. The day was created in order to bring the EU closer to its citizens and the citizens closer to the Union and one another.

I wish the Netherlands was more supportive of the EU like some other member states, so we could maybe get the day off. That way, I could travel to Spain and become closer with my EU "family". Yeah, in my dreams.