On May 9 of each year, the EU representatives across the world will celebrate the Europe Day to mark the presentation of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, a pioneer to the European Union who initially proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community.
European Union operating in Myanmar and Malaysia are ones among many countries that hosted the ceremonies to celebrate the Europe day.
Organized one day in advanced on May 8, the Europe Day in Malaysia took place at JW Marriott where the guests were invited to try local gourmet food at each EU member state’s booth.
At the celebration, the Guest of Honor YB Syed Saddiq, the Minister of Youth and Sports, visited Finland’s booth and had a conversation with Finnish representatives regarding Finland’s culture and activities such as Finnish ice hockey.
In the night of the same day, the Europe Day in Myanmar was held at Nay Pyi Taw where EU Ambassador Kristian Schmidt who was born in Denmark gave a welcome speech concerning a long-term friendship and mutual challenges of Myanmar and Europe.
Due to the EU elections which will be held later this month and Myanmar’s 2020 elections, the ambassador also mentioned about the important role of democracy and called for protection of rights belonging to people and media against fears, injustice and violence.
“Civil society and a free and professional media have a key role to play to avoid general confusion,” said Schmidt.
