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NAZIR ALFREDO EQUEIUA
AHMET İHSAN TEZCAN
a look into the reasons for the arrival of the European day.
On the 9th of May, Europe Day celebrates the peace and unity of the European continent. This date marks the anniversary of the historic "Schuman Declaration". In a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, then French Foreign Minister, outlined his vision of a new form of political cooperation in Europe that would make unthinkable the outbreak of a war between European countries.
His vision was to create a European institution responsible for managing coal and steel production in common. Less than a year later, a treaty was signed that created an entity with these functions. It is considered that the current European Union has started with the Schuman proposal.
EU Institutions Celebrate Europe Day
To commemorate Europe Day, European institutions are opening their doors to the public in May, in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg. EU representations in Europe and EU delegations in the rest of the world organize various activities and events for all ages. Every year, thousands of people take part in visits, debates, concerts and other events that mark Europe Day and raise awareness of the EU.
In 1950, five years after the end of World War II, European nations continued to grapple with the devastation caused by the conflict. European governments, determined to prevent such a terrible war from repeating itself, came to the conclusion that the pooling of coal and steel production would make the war between France and Germany, historically rival countries, "not only unthinkable but materially impossible "(Schuman Declaration).
It was rightly thought that the merging of economic interests would contribute to a better standard of living and would be the first step towards a more united Europe. Accession to the ECSC was thus open to other countries.
The communitarisation of coal and steel productions immediately ensures the establishment of common economic development bases, the first stage of the European federation, and will change the fate of the regions long condemned to the manufacture of weapons of war, of which they have been the most constant victims. The solidarity of production thus achieved will reveal that any war between France and Germany will become not only unthinkable but also materially impossible. The establishment of this powerful unit of production open to all the countries that wish to participate, which will allow the supply of all the essential elements of industrial production to the same conditions, will lay the foundations of its economic unification.
This production will be offered to all the countries of the world without distinction or exclusion, in order to participate in the improvement of the standard of living and in the development of works of peace. With increased resources, Europe could continue to fulfill one of its essential functions: the development of the African continent. This will quickly and easily bring about the fusion of interests essential to the creation of an economic community and will introduce the ferment of a wider and deeper community between countries long opposed by bloody divisions.
Enes’ views on the EU
We conducted an interview with Enes Sutkovic, a student at the Anadolu University. He shared his views on the European Union and European Day celebrations.
Nazir Alfredo: What do you think about the European union?
Enes Sutkoviç: The existence of such a formation has led to bring the countries of the world together and to provide technology and development in many fields. The European Union is working in many different areas for this aim. I mean, bringing together the many countries from the world.
Nazir: Speaking of countries, where are you from?
Enes: I am from Serbia, which is one of the candidates for the European Union.
Nazir: Do you think Serbia can become a full member?
Enes: Yes, it will be.
Nazir: You know that 9 May is the day of Europe. As a student studying in Eskişehir, what kind of activities are held in Eskişehir and in Turkey?
Enes: The event was organized by Eskişehir EU Information Center on May 9 European Day for the children of refugees and low-income families. Also, the iftar dinner program was held with local people and members of the EU Consulate General in Istanbul. The European Union embraces all countries of the world, not only in cooperation with its member countries. The students are also offered various opportunities in education.
Nazir: Thank you for sharing your ideas.
