9 May marked the inauguration of the European Union pavilion at Expo Milano 2015. Sixty five years ago on the same date, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman referred for the first time to Europe as an economic and political union of different European states, ratifying the beginning of European integration. This date also coincides with the end of the Second World War and the start of a period of peace that spans to our days.

At Expo Milano Europe Day was a celebration of the sense of belonging to a Union of countries beyond their own ones. Festivities started at the Expo Centre with the Italian and European flag raising ceremony on the notes of the Italian and European Union anthems. An inspiring welcome speech was addressed by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz who spoke about focusing on enthusiasm and hope for a more united Europe with less inequalities and conflicts.

“Europe is changing, flexibility is no longer a taboo and austerity is no longer a mantra” stated Mogherini. The High Representative also took the opportunity to thank all those who contributed to a big event like Expo Milano 2015, first and foremost the volunteers. The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz expressed his pride in being part of a “unique and exceptional community of 28 democratic countries cooperating for peace, welfare and the future of the new generations.” Europe Day went on with the “Citizens’ Dialogue”, a debate between institutions and citizens that took place at the Expo Auditorium and welcomed thousands of citizens and high school students from across Europe among its audience.

Source: http://europa.eu/expo2015/