Source: Council of the European Union (video statements)
On 9 May 1950, French foreign minister Robert Schuman delivered a speech that would change Europe forever. His plan? Bind European countries so tightly together through shared resources that war would become practically impossible. It worked.
From the European Coal and Steel Community to the single market, open borders, the euro and free movement, this is how Europe went from a continent in ruins to the world’s largest peaceful union in just a few decades.
EUROPE DAY WEBSITE: Europe Day 2026 – Consilium
________________________________________
🔔Subscribe – / eucouncil
________________________________________
Follow us:
➡️Instagram – instagram.com/eucouncil
➡️Facebook – facebook.com/eucouncil
➡️X – x.com/eucouncil
________________________________________
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:46 The Schuman Declaration & EU history
03:05 What the EU does for you
06:08 Celebrating Europe Day
06:49 Conclusion
07:27 Outro
________________________________________
This is the official YouTube channel of the European Council and the Council of the European Union.
The European Council is the highest political body of the European Union. It brings together the heads of state or government of all member states, as well as its President and the President of the European Commission. It shapes the EU’s political agenda, addresses major challenges and sets strategic priorities, such as those outlined in the Strategic Agenda 2024–2029. This seeks to build a Europe that is free and democratic, strong and secure, prosperous and competitive. The European Council also plays a key role in crisis management, from responding to Russia’s war in Ukraine to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Decisions are typically made by consensus. Its meetings, often called ‘European summits’, take place at least four times a year in Brussels.
The Council of the European Union (often referred to as the ‘Council’) is where the EU’s day-to-day legislative and policy work takes place. Bringing together ministers from each EU member state, it negotiates and adopts laws, usually in partnership with the European Parliament, across 10 policy areas, from foreign affairs to energy. Unlike the European Council, the Council of the European Union operates under a rotating six-month presidency. Each member state holds the presidency in turn. Meetings are held regularly in Brussels and Luxembourg, ensuring that every EU country, regardless of size, has an equal voice in shaping European policies.
Find out more: Consilium