On Europe Day, Eiffel Tower shines bright in solidarity with Ukraine

To commemorate Europe Day, Paris’ Eiffel Tower was illuminated in bright yellow and blue, representing the national colours of Ukraine and standing in solidarity with the war-torn country. 

The sparkly light show was requested by the European Union’s French Presidency. At present, France chairs the presidency of the Council of the EU.

This isn’t the first time that the wrought-iron tower has sparkled for Ukraine. On February 25, the Eiffel Tower lit up in the national colours of Ukraine after the request of Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris. 

Each year on May 9, Europeans spread across the continent celebrate Europe Day, an occasion that marks the beginning of Europe’s integration and peace after decades of conflict.

Also Read: In Pics | World landmarks adorn Ukraine colours as crisis with Russia worsens

The day roots back to 1950, a monumental year when Robert Schuman, then-French minister of foreign affairs, made a declaration proposing the collaboration of Germany and France in steel and coal production.

With the landmark declaration, Schuman aimed to finally speed up industrialization processes in both the nations after World War II which caused bloodshed and economic collapse. 

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Schuman’s call for collaboration had a wise ulterior motive: to make a potential new war “materially impossible” due to the intertwining of key industries. 

“The solidarity in production thus established will make it plain that any war between France and Germany becomes not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible,” Schuman said as he read through his declaration on May 9, 1950, in Paris’ Salon de l’Horloge.

However, Europe Day isn’t the only occasion celebrated on May 9, especially due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has transformed all the holidays that fall on May 9 to possess new significance and purpose. 

“The Kremlin’s invasion reminds us why we are celebrating Europe day. The day when our peaceful, prosperous and united Europe was born,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, according to a report by Euro News.

 “Seventy-two years later, Europe is stronger and more united than ever,” she added.