Europe Day – Why does it matter for us students?
Yleinen — 9.5.2026
Have you noticed that the flag is raised? Today is Europe Day; but what are we actually celebrating?
Europe Day is celebrated on May 9 because the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, presented his declaration on May 9, 1950. The declaration contained a proposal to establish a European Coal and Steel Community, which became the starting point for what we today recognize as the European Union. In 1986, the European flag was raised for the first time, and this year Europe Day is being celebrated for the 40th time, with both anthem and flag.
Why is Europe Day important for us students?
Today, we tend to take the European Union and its benefits for granted, and we do not always think about the opportunities it brings, especially for young people. In 1987, the foundation for the Erasmus cooperation was laid, and it still provides opportunities for young people to study or complete internships in different countries and build networks throughout the EU. The strong connections and exchange opportunities offered at Åbo Akademi University are therefore partly thanks to the EU. In addition to excellent opportunities for studies and work experience, the free movement of people is something truly unique and strengthens cooperation, cultural exchange, and community between countries.
Europe Day is therefore not only about Europe as a whole; for us students, it is about the freedom of education that the EU provides. This is something that has not always been taken for granted, and in many parts of the world there is no equivalent. Therefore, we have good reason to celebrate Europe Day today.
Happy Europe Day from ÅAS!