Skopje, 9 May 2024 (MIA) - Victory Day over Fascism and Europe Day – May 9 was observed Thursday in front of the monument of liberators of Skopje and at the Partisan Cemetery memorial in Butel.

EU Ambassador David Geer, along with a government delegation headed by PM Talat Xhaferi, Minister of Local Self-Government Risto Penov and Deputy Justice Minister Viktorija Avramovska Madikj observed Victory Day over Fascism and Europe Day Thursday by laying fresh flowers in front of monument of liberators of Skopje outside the government’s building. 

Victory Day over Fascism is celebrated after Germany ratified the act of unconditional surrender in 1945, declaring victory for the anti-Hitler coalition. Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical Schuman declaration. At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman, the then French foreign minister, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.

On May 9, Europe celebrates the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which provided the first impetus that led to the creation of the European Union.

In honor of Europe Day, the EU and its institutions hold events and activities annually. This year, on May 4, the European Union hosted an Open Day, inviting citizens to visit the Union's institutions and gain insight into their roles and activities.

Europe Day is recognized as a holiday across the EU and is observed as a day off for employees of European institutions. Among EU member states, May 9 is a national holiday only in Luxembourg, whereas in Romania, it coincides with the country's Independence Day.

Photo: MIA