Events in Dublin and across the European Union are today marking Europe Day.
Europe Day, May 9th, marks the anniversary of the day in 1950 when the European Union was conceived.
French foreign minister Robert Schuman gave a speech calling for European countries to combine their coal and steel production under a single European institution, paving the way for the European Union.
The European Commission office in Dublin is holding a free lunchtime concert to mark the day. Performers will include prize-winners from the Feis Ceol, including mezzo-soprano Naomi O’Connell and tenor Dean Power.
The Commission office is also supporting an exhibition of Impressionist paintings, Impressionist Interiors,in the National Gallery of Ireland from May 10th to August 10th.
Fine Gael today held a briefing to mark European Day and to support a Yes vote in the Lisbon referendum on EU reform.
Former taoiseach Garret FitzGerald and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny attended the event, at which former European Commissioner and world trade chief Peter Sutherland spoke in support of the Lisbon Treaty.
Activities elsewhere in Europe today include an open-air concert in Luxembourg, street parades in Poland, and a marathon in Italy.
“While the activities will all be different, the aim is the same: to increase mutual understanding while respecting one another’s differences - a message for today’s Europe,” the EC said.
