Celebrating Europe Day 2025 with WiseFood
Every year on May 9th, Europe Day is celebrated across the continent to honour values such as peace, solidarity, and collaboration. As a nod to history, it is a lesson as we look ahead and reflect on the shared vision that continues to shape Europe’s future.
Let’s explore the origins, meaning, and lasting impact of Europe Day.
The Origins of Europe Day
The origins of Europe Day trace back to one of the darkest chapters in modern history, World War II, and it is connected to May 8, Victory in Europe Day. Further, in response to the devastation and division left by the war, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a historic speech on May 9, 1950, proposing a new form of political and economic cooperation among European nations. This is known as the Schuman Declaration.
The proposal laid the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), established by Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It was the first step toward deeper European integration and cooperation, eventually leading to the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, and later the European Union as we know it today.
To honour the vision set out in the Schuman Declaration, Europe Day was officially established during the European Council meeting in Milan in June 1985.
More Than a Date on the Calendar: Why Europe Day Matters
For Europeans, 9 May is more than just a date on the calendar, it is a day to mark the values that define the European Union today. Europe Day offers a moment to reflect on the EU’s founding principles: solidarity, cooperation, democracy, human rights, and cultural diversity.
The day highlights the progress made through European integration, which transformed a continent marked by war and division into a union founded on shared goals, mutual respect, and peaceful collaboration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of working together across borders while valuing the diverse languages, cultures, and traditions that enrich Europe’s identity.
At the same time, Europe Day serves as an opportunity for people across Europe to engage with EU institutions, learn more about how the EU works, and participate in conversations about its future.
Celebrating Europe Day
Europe Day is celebrated in various ways across the institutions of the European Union. The day is marked by cultural festivals, concerts, educational programs, public visits, and community events that promote European values and identity. For example, on this day, EU institutions such as the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to explore these institutions and learn more about their work.
In recent years, online events and social media campaigns have also become an important part of the celebrations, helping to reach wider audiences and encourage citizen participation across Europe.
How WiseFood Supports Europe’s Goals
Funded by the European Union, the WiseFood project launched to support Europe’s goals of promoting healthier eating habits, reducing food waste, and fostering a more sustainable society.
Over three years, WiseFood will leverage cutting-edge technology and expert knowledge to deliver reliable and accessible food data to people across Europe. The project will be implemented in real-life settings through Living Labs in three European countries: Ireland, Hungary, and Slovenia. This includes a fully operational short food supply chain Living Lab in Slovenia.
WiseFood’s core mission is to democratise food information, empowering every European citizen to make smarter food choices and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Conclusion
By promoting healthier eating habits, reducing food waste, and empowering citizens with accessible food information, WiseFood actively contributes to the European Union’s broader vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and health-conscious society. As we look to the future, WiseFood shows how cross-border collaboration and innovation can create real, positive change in the everyday lives of European citizens.
Stay tuned for updates on how WiseFood’s technologies empower smarter food choices, follow WiseFood Newsroom and its social media pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.