Credit: EU in Switzerland & Liechtenstein /  Genève- Pont du Mont-Blanc  – Journée de l’Europe 

By Gary Raynaldo         DIPLOMATIC TIMES

Europe Day was celebrated in Europe this month amid international solidarity and contributions of those helping the  EU get through the coronavirus crisis.  “This Europe Day is like no other. Across Europe and around the world we are stuck in confinement, isolated behind closed borders, in homes behind closed doors, ” Helga Maria Schmid , a European diplomat and the Secretary General of the European External Action said in a statement.  Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe.

“We are together also in our determination to work as one to defeat this pandemic, with researchers around the world working to develop a vaccine and governments and private organisations pouring funds into joint schemes to support them and a full suite of international initiatives to counter the pandemic. Together we are equally determined to build back better, with the EU and partners mobilising unprecedented resources to support the most vulnerable, mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the crisis and invest from the start in a sustainable recovery based on fairness, equality, democracy and human rights. Together we will save more lives, protect more livelihoods and be better prepared for future challenges.”

-Helga Maria Schmid , Secretary General of the European External Action

Credit: eeas.europa.eu /  Helga Maria Schmid , Secretary General of the European External Action

On 1 May 2020, Liechtenstein marked the 25th anniversary of its accession to the European Economic Area (EEA), which unites the EU Member States and the three EEA European Free Trade Association States of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, in an Internal Market governed by the same basic rule.

“European Union has excellent cooperation with Liechtenstein in the areas covered by the EEA and Schengen Agreements. We share the same interests and values, which translates into common priorities and constructive cooperation on foreign policy issues. The cooperation between the European Union and Liechtenstein within the EEA, in particular, has been a true success story, that we are proud to celebrate together. “

-High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell on the 25th anniversary of Liechtenstein’s accession to the European Economic Area.

Credit: EU in Switzerland & Liechtenstein  /  KKL Luzern am Europatag 2020

As symbol for the many acts of solidarity between Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the EU as well as for the pan-European cooperation during the Coronavirus crisis, famous Swiss and Liechtenstein landmarks were lit up in the European colours, blue and yellow, on 9 May.

Credit: EU in Switzerland & Liechtenstein  /  Genève- Pont du Mont-Blanc  – Journée de l’Europe 

“Today, the EU is the most remarkable and successful experiment in international cooperation ever seen. The EU as a driver of international cooperation and solidarity is not just an internal project. Far from it. We have always been a global actor, a leader in developing exchanges through trade, education, research, and partnerships for peace, stability and sustainable development based on universal values and human rights. We are the most ardent supporter and largest contributor to the global multilateral order, with the UN at its centre.”

-Helga Maria Schmid , Secretary General of the European External Action