Europe Day, on 9 May, commemorates the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration presented in 1950. In this special year, in which the world finds itself in one of the most uncertain periods in recent times, the leader of the Socialists and Democrats, Iratxe García, reminds us of the importance of this visionary project that introduced a new way of doing things through cooperation, mutual respect, integration, and common interests. What began as a peace project between former adversaries became the most successful model of democratic integration in history: the European Union.
Iratxe García Pérez said:
"Seventy-five years since the Schuman Declaration, its spirit remains more relevant than ever. In a world marked by war on European soil, rising extremism, and growing geopolitical fragmentation, we are reminded that the European Union is not only an economic union but also project that once put an end to hate and poverty, and built a Union of prosperity.
"The Socialists and Democrats will continue defending this project from the European Parliament – the heart of our Union’s democratic life, the values on which Europe was built: human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law, and social justice. It is our responsibility to ensure that the EU leads in protecting rights, tackling the climate crisis, securing a fair digital transition, and standing up for peace and democracy – both at home and abroad.
"We must respond with more Europe: a stronger, more sovereign, and more united Union, capable of acting with courage and compassion.
"As Robert Schuman once said: 'Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.' That vision remains more relevant than ever.
"And we remember that Europe was built not only to recover from the past, but to protect our future – a future rooted in unity, sustained by democracy, and committed to peace."
