Europe Day: major monuments across the EU lit up ahead of the European elections

Over 60 cities across Europe will display messages calling on citizens to vote, one month ahead of the 6-9 June EU elections.

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Grand Place in Brussels are among many landmarks across the EU that will be illuminated to mark 9 May, Europe Day, and the one-month countdown for the European Elections (6-9 June). They will display the election campaign slogan “Use your vote. Or others will decide for you.” or the European flag between Wednesday 8 May and Thursday 9 May.

Amongst the other landmark buildings and monuments participating are the the Samuel Beckett Bridge and national parliament buildings in Dublin, Vilnius’ town hall, Fort St Angelo in Valletta, the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, Cibeles square in Madrid, the National Parliament in Bucharest, to name just a few.

With these illuminations taking place in cities across the continent, the European Parliament and national and local authorities are collaborating to send a message of togetherness to 440 million European citizens about the importance these European elections will have for everyone’s future. 9 May, Europe Day, is a not just a day of remembrance, but also a day to consider our shared future. The day’s proximity to the elections makes it a more meaningful occasion than ever.

Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic 'Schuman declaration' that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe's nations unthinkable. Schuman's proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.