Crowds Celebrate Europe Day Despite Rain

Europe Day celebrations took place across Luxembourg on Tuesday 9 May 2023; Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950 and has been a public holiday in the Grand Duchy since 2019.

The main celebrations, organised by the Representation of the European Commission and the Liaison Bureau of the European Parliament in Luxembourg and their partners, went ahead in Place de l'Europe, against the backdrop of the Philharmonie, in Luxembourg-Kirchberg. The European Village, with its 70 stands, as well as food trucks and various performances, attracted the crowds on Tuesday afternoon, despite the heavy rain.

The event began at midday, with the official ceremony taking place around 14:00, with multilingual speeches, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, as well as representatives of the Luxembourg Government, the Chamber of Deputies (Luxembourg's parliament) and the European institutions.

In her introductory speech, the Mayor of Luxembourg City, Lydie Polfer, highlighted the nature of the European project, which dates back to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1952, as a peace project.

For his part, Chamber of Deputies President Fernand Etgen highlighted the European democratic values that unite us and stressed the need for continued solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression (which is an attack on such values). He also emphasised the importance of the digital and green transition for the future of Europe.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel agreed that Europe Day was an occasion to celebrate our values and remember the importance of the European peace project. He also stressed that Ukraine's future lies with Europe. He stressed that the European Union was a part of the solution to today's challenges, rather than the problem, as some opponents may argue, and highlighted the rights enjoyed by EU citizens.

European Parliament Vice-President and Luxembourg MEP Marc Angel highlighted some of the achievements of the EU over the years, from the Schengen Agreement to the introduction of the euro, and highlighted European solidarity with Ukraine at a time when "war has reared its ugly face once more" on the European continent. He also highlighted the importance of the green and digital transition, as well as initiatives like the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument. He noted the need for a strong Europe to ensure a prosperous future for all.

Similarly, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit highlighted the symbolism of this day, especially in Luxembourg - the only country where it is a public holiday. He stressed the importance of solidarity with Ukraine and went on to discuss the importance of skills - not least in the context of the European Year of Skills - in providing career prospects for young people and addressing talent shortages. He also emphasised the importance of the ecological transition, particularly highlighting renewable energy.

A quintet from the Philharmonie closed the official ceremony with the European anthem. A children's choir from the European School Luxembourg then braved the rain to sing John Lennon's "Imagine" atop the Philharmonie building. 

Grand Duke Henri proceeded to cut the traditional European cake, before he and other representatives of the national and European authorities visited the various stands of the European Village. The information stands represented the various European institutions present in Luxembourg, EU members states with embassies in the Grand Duchy, as well as returning special guest Ukraine, and national authorities with a link to European projects, among others. Visitors could also explore the "Skills Corner" and there was a "Kids' Corner" for children.

European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Managing Director and former Minister of Finance of Luxembourg, Pierre Gramegna, was among those present and later presented the activities and role of the ESM.

The celebrations concluded in the evening with performances by local acts Nico Beiler and TUYS.