Every 9^th of May, the European Union commemorates the 1950 Declaration by Robert Schuman, then French Minister of Foreign Affairs, which is considered the starting point of the European integration process. In his Declaration, Schuman stated that “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.” Seventy-five years later, the European Union remains firmly committed to the values that inspired this unique project: peace, solidarity, cooperation, and respect for human rights.

This year also marks the 80^th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe (8 May 1945), which ended World War II in Europe. “Victory Day is followed by Europe Day, which reminds us that peace and European integration have gone hand in hand for 80 years,” as stated by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Through projects such as “Cultural routes, Natural crossroads”, the European Union works alongside Panama to promote these shared values and a rules-based international cooperation.

The exhibition “Panama and Europe: Paths that Connect” is the culmination of a project that stems from the European Union’s recognition of Panama’s crucial role as a meeting point and hub for the exchange of people, ideas, and goods. The exhibition highlights the contribution of the Camino de Cruces and the Camino Real to the strong historical, economic, and cultural ties between Panama and Europe. It also serves as a platform to present a Guidebook that outlines the historical evolution of the routes and provides practical suggestions for exploring them today.

The exhibition, which was inaugurated on 8 May by EU Ambassador Izabela Matusz, Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, and Minister of Culture María Eugenia Herrera, is open to the public free of charge at the Museum of the Government Palace until May 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, 17 May as part of the International Museum Day. Afterwards, “Panama and Europe: routes that connect” will travel to various locations across Panama, mainly to sites linked to the Colonial Transisthmian Route, in support of its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, led by the Ministry of Culture.

Additionally, the fourth European Film Week will take place from 19 to 23 May at the University of Panama’s University Cinema. This year, 12 films from different EU Member States and Ukraine will be screened, all related to cultural and natural routes. During the week, the Panamanian winners of the Euro CineLab 2025 regional short film competition will also be announced. Independent Belgian-Ecuadorian filmmaker Xavier Solano will host an in-person film lab. Other cultural activities as part of Europe Month include presentations of the Erasmus+ international student exchange programme and express classes in European languages.