A disappointing Europe Day

Europe Day, the European Union's sole official holiday, quietly passed for most last week (9 May) with barely a mention in the American press and scant coverage in Europe - much of which was cynical rather than celebratory in tone. The holiday, marking French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman's 1950 speech launching what would become the EU, again failed to inspire the festivals of its billing. Why the subdued reception? Unfortunately, today's zeitgeist has obscured the EU's remarkable holiday-worthy accomplishments. In fifty-six short years, from the ashes of World War II and despite the rise and fall of an iron curtain, ancient rivalries have been replaced by unprecedented economic and political ties. Now, violence between the powers that drew the world into two tragic wars seems impossible - certainly this deserves celebrating around the globe. Despite the formidable questions facing today's EU, the spirit of Schuman and the promise of the European project remain evident. Although not as iconic as a blue-lit Eiffel Tower, heartfelt Europe Day commemorations held in new EU member and candidate states reminded us of the hope and need which broke the laws of political science to create the Europe we know today. Allowing recent EU hurdles to distract from recognising its improbable history of peace and cooperation is to take its achievements for granted and forget priceless lessons learned from the last century. When keeping the world stage in this perspective, Europe Day should bring a kind nod from all corners for decades to come.