The year 2020 gives us the opportunity to celebrate a double anniversary: that of the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, which is considered by some to be the EU’s "birthday” and also that of the European Convention on Human Rights, signed on 4 November of the same year. These two founding texts have been the backbone of Europe’s construction, constituting an inexhaustible source of reflection for shaping the European project.
Thus, 70 years after the presentation of the Schuman Declaration, the first milestone of this long process of European integration, the European edifice is standing up to violent winds in the midst of the new coronavirus pandemic. In light of such challenges, it seems more necessary than ever to recall and strengthen the foundations of this construction by protecting and promoting the triangle of cardinal values that the European Union and the Council of Europe share: democracy, the rule of law and human rights. 9 May 2020, the day on which the Conference on the Future of Europe was initially due to open, is a formidable starting point for launching this effort of deep reflection on Europe’s values and legacy 70 years after its inception. Moreover, it allows us to ponder upon the significance of this milestone and the re-drawing of our European future in light of the current coronavirus pandemic. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm the need for ever deeper co-operation between the two largest European institutions.
Together, the European Union and the Council of Europe have reaffirmed their deep commitment to the rule of law on a daily basis since the beginning of the crisis and underlined the exceptional nature of the measures taken. They are concerned in particular about the risks of democratic backsliding, human rights abuses and disproportional emergency measures. As the Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić noted in its letter to the 47 member-states, “The virus is destroying many lives and much else of what is very dear to us. We should not let it destroy our core values and free societies”.
In the face of current threats to the fundamental values shared throughout Europe, this double anniversary reminds us of the importance of peace, solidarity, international co-operation, multilateralism and fundamental rights which are the very essence of Europe today. And Europe should try to provide an inspiring and leading example. This is why the EU hosted on 4 May, an international pledging conference aimed at collecting substantial funding to ensure the development and universal deployment of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines against coronavirus. The international pledges amounted to €7.4 billion from donors worldwide including a pledge of €1.4 billion by the Commission itself. This Coronavirus Global Response pledging event, organized following the call of the World Health Organization (WHO), gives a glimpse of what a leading, effective and mobilized Europe can achieve.
The role of the Council of Europe is also more important than ever in upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law in these troubled times. This double anniversary is an opportunity to highlight the considerable contribution of the European Court of Human Rights in the protection of our fundamental rights and freedoms across the European continent, also beyond the borders of the EU-27. The numerous monitoring and advisory bodies of the Council of Europe also play a crucial role in scrutinizing and supporting European states' compliance with their international human rights obligations.
Frontline workers fighting to keep our societies alive | Source: EC Audiovisual Service
The Europe that we will continue to build in the aftermath of this crisis should be based on the highest commitment to the protection of human rights and democracy. In that respect, the EU is committed to become a party to the European Convention on Human Rights. The EU's accession to the Convention is a legal obligation laid down in the Lisbon Treaty and should strengthen and deepen the cooperation of the two European institutions and offer a better, more coherent protection of the rights of European citizens.
Let us celebrate Europe Day ... but from a distance!
Despite the restrictions linked to the sanitary crisis and emergency situation, the EU Delegation in Strasbourg and the Council of Europe, like all other European institutions, are mobilising to celebrate our common values from a distance, on the occasion of Europe Day. In order to contribute to the citizens' understanding of the Union, its history, its diversity, as well as to raise awareness of its values, objectives and challenges in this time of crisis, we have chosen to give the floor to European Commissioners and EU high officials, Members of the European Parliament, Council of Europe Secretary General and Members of its Parliamentary Assembly, as well as young people. They present their vision of the future of Europe 70 years after the Schuman Declaration and the ECHR in the form of video or written testimonials, which you can find on our Twitter and Facebook accounts, YouTube channel as well as our website. They also discuss the challenges related to the values shared by the EU and the Council of Europe, including democracy, the rule of law and human rights in light of the current crisis. The 2020 edition of Europe Day therefore marks a double anniversary, rich in meaning, reflection and also opening up to further questions, as Europe faces its most serious challenge since the end of the Second World War.
Happy #EuropeDay !
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