Many EU-Delegations across the African continent used the occasion of Europe Day to organize events and activities to raise awareness and visibility for EU projects and to find out more about Europe as such. On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, France’s foreign minister, called on France, Germany and other European countries to pool their production of coal and steel. This was the first move towards the creation of what is now known as the European Union – 27 countries united in their respect for freedom and the rule of law while recognising and valuing the diversity of EU citizens. The anniversary of Schuman's declaration is celebrated as Europe Day. Here are some examples of the events hosted in Africa:

Raising Awareness for Europe Day

In Addis Ababa, the EU-Delegation to the African Union hosted a reception with high ranking guests on Europe Day. The reception took place in three different pavilions in the EU compound: One for Benin, which currently holds the AU presidency, one for Denmark, representing the EU presidency and one for the host country Ethiopia. Each of the pavilions provided their guests with national food of the respective country. Among the 100 invitees were representatives of the two respective presidencies, the Danish Ambassador Pernille Dahler Kardel, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Benin Ferdinand Montcho, as well as other high ranking guests such as host Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the EU-Delegation to the African Union, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairman of the African Union and Ethiopia's Minister of Education Mr. Ato Mekonnen. The Delegation to the African Union furthermore used this occasion to raise awareness about Europe Day among the Ethiopian population and designed a Flyer which was published in the two major Ethiopian Newspapers and distributed among the guests of the reception. (Flyer)

Recycling and Sustainable Energy

In Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, the EU-Delegation organised a number of activities around the theme Recycling and Sustainable Energy. The main shopping mall was hosting information stands on the European Union from Wednesday 9 May to Saturday 12 May. In line with the week's theme, representatives from ministries, NGOs and the private sector held an exhibition, including demonstrations of technologies such as energy efficient stoves. To round things off, the public was invited during those days to view, at no charge, a selection of European movies at the Alliance Française.
Ambassador Hans Duynhouwer, Head of the EU delegation hosted a reception in Maseru on Friday. Invitees were, among others, representatives of civil society, government officials, and the diplomatic corps. The reception was preceded by a panel discussion on Recycling and Sustainable Energy with key speakers from the government, private sector, and NGOs. (Photos 1 & 2)

Photos for Visibility

The EU- Delegation to Mauritius, Comoros, Seychelles and Indian Ocean region inaugurated a photo exhibition. It features some of the projects and reforms supported by the EU during the last few years in partnership with the respective countries and the Indian Ocean Commission. The photo exhibition is open to the public at the Institut Français de Maurice, and is then going to move to primary public areas, notably in Seychelles and Comoros. (Flyer)

Africa Celebrates Europe Day