Europe Day, 9 May, is dedicated to celebrating peace and unity in Europe every year. The date marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In this declaration, the French politician Robert Schuman presented his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe in 1950 that would make a war between the nations of Europe unthinkable. Robert Schuman’s proposal is considered the birth of the European Union.

Bundesbank represented with an interactive stand 

To mark this occasion, a large festival was held at the Römerberg in Frankfurt am Main this year. Under the motto “Europe is Yours”, numerous EU institutions, associations and initiatives invited visitors to their interactive information stands to discuss political, cultural and social topics. 

© Alexandra Lechner

The Bundesbank’s stand in the Römerhallen provided information on topics such as the Bundesbank’s role within the Eurosystem and the digital euro project. Participants were able to test their knowledge of the German central bank in a quiz and even win a small gold rubber duck for the bath. A film in virtual reality format showed visitors around the Bundesbank’s gold vault and the Bundesbank President’s office, amongst other highlights. 

Joint statement for Europe

Frankfurt’s Mayor Mike Josef, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel and President of Frankfurt Main Finance Gerhard Wiesheu, as well as members of the Municipal Administration of the City of Frankfurt am Main, the Bundesbank’s Executive Board and the Board of Frankfurt Main Finance, gathered at the Bundesbank’s stand to make a joint statement saying: “Tolerance and human dignity as well as openness to communicate across borders form the basis of Europe and the financial sector. These values are therefore guidelines for our actions. Exclusion and xenophobia harm Europe, Germany, the financial centre and our social co-existence”. They encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote: “Participate in the European elections on 9 June 2024. Give Europe and its democracy a strong vote: your vote.”