Europe Day 2022 in Geneva

Every 9 May we celebrate peace and unity, and prosperity in Europe; and we had almost taken for granted the over 70 years without war between the ever-increasing number of participating European countries. On Europe Day 2022 we are reminded of the importance of peace, with Russia's aggression against Ukraine ending the long period of peace among Europe.

To mark this special date, the European Union Delegation to the UN Geneva organised for the first time since 2019, together with the Permanent Representation of France to the UN Geneva on the occasion of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2022, a special concert in the Victoria Hall, a XIX Century Beaux-Arts auditorium located at the heart of Geneva.

The anthem of Europe, Van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and the Ukrainian national anthem “The Glory and Freedom of Ukraine has not yet perished” (rough translation of “Shche ne vmerla Ukrayina”) were the beautiful harmonies that kicked off the musical evening. Yevheniia Filipenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UN Geneva, was our guest of honour and her country was paid tribute to by the speeches of the EU Ambassadors.

“The Russian aggression against Ukraine concerns us all because it challenges the fundamental principles we share, that underpin our international system of freedom, democracy, rule of law; and the right of citizens of a country to determine their sovereign future, free of invasion and violence”, stated EU Ambassador to the UN Lotte Knudsen.

João Aguiar Machado, EU Ambassador to the WTO, pointed out that “Ukraine is fighting for its own freedom, but also for the security of us all against bullying and tyranny”.

“The Europe we want is an EU of peace and diversity, not a Europe turned inward or blind to the world", noted Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France to the UN Geneva.

After the opening remarks, the renowned Camerata du Léman, the cellist Ophélie Gaillard and the violinist Nicolas Dautricourt accompanied the audience through a thrilling musical journey.

To mark Europe’s birthday on social media the EU Delegation to the UN Geneva produced the emotional video “A message of Peace” featuring all EU Member States Ambassadors in Geneva.

As Europe Day 2022 takes place in the context of the unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression and to show that Europe stands at the side of Ukraine, the video features EU Ambassadors in Geneva passing on a candle while sending the message “PEACE” in their official languages; because the European Union is a Union of diversity and because peace is at the heart of the EU.

Finally, a Europe Day reception taking place in the premises of the EU Delegation was the perfect opportunity to showcase the distinctive flavours of the European cuisine. EU Member States presented their national culinary specialties and indulged the palates of the special guests.

Because united we are stronger and today, more than even before, Europeans feel that they belong to one European family.

Happy birthday, Europe - happy Europe Day to everyone!