Europe Day in Serbia was marked by a reception organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia at the “Jevremovac” Botanical Garden in Belgrade. The event was attended by several hundred guests, including top state officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the NGO sector, media, and many other dignitaries. “Europe is our home” was the slogan of the celebration.
Europe is the home of democratic values, where democracy is a fundamental pillar of our European identity; protection of minorities and human rights, non-discrimination, media pluralism, and rule of law are some of our hallmarks, says the EU Ambassador to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret.
“Over the past 20 years, the European Union has made significant progress in the areas of social rights, health, and environmental protection, helping to improve the overall quality of life for people. Today, nature is better preserved, cities have cleaner air, and privacy is protected across the Union. Solidarity among EU member states has also grown, with member states providing vital assistance to each other in case of disasters such as floods or forest fires. And I must say, I would also like to thank Serbia, which has also contributed to this protection of our citizens,” said Ambassador Giaufret.
The Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia also highlighted that Europe is open to new members.
“Last October, in Granada, EU leaders reaffirmed that enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity, which requires the EU to be ready to welcome new member states. Candidate countries need to step up reforms, while the EU begins preparations to welcome new members in the coming years,” emphasised Ambassador Giaufret.
President Vučić stated that the EU is the largest peace project in the history of the continent and that for Serbia, this is one of the most important things – preserving peace, life, and paving the way for the future of the youth.
“Thank you to our partners for their help through investments. The EU is the largest investor, from solidarity funds and others, whenever the citizens of Serbia have been at risk, from floods onwards. This money is not small for us. Without the EU, there would be no projects, infrastructure, schools, education, or science. And for that, I express immense gratitude to the countries and people in the EU who have helped Serbia,” stated President Vučić, highlighting that the European path is a strategic decision for Serbia.
The celebration of Europe Day in Belgrade continues with the concert “Under the Starry Sky” at Upper Kalemegdan on Friday at 20:30, where entry is free. The jazz orchestra Big Band RTS will perform, along with Vasil Hadžimanov, Bojana Stamenov, Zoe Kida, and Marko Luis, in a unique program not to be missed.
In addition to the concert in Belgrade, Europe Day will also be celebrated in other cities in Serbia.
In Novi Sad, the European Union will be the main partner at the Agricultural Fair, with a special pavilion showcasing the support the EU offers to agriculture in Serbia, as well as opportunities for farmers. Member countries of the European Union will also have their stands, where they will present some of the most significant agricultural products from their countries. From May 18 to 23, visitors to Hall 1 of the Novi Sad Fair can expect a rich program and inspiring talks, and they will also have the opportunity to taste numerous products from the European Union countries.
The European Union will organise a series of talks with young people from the academic community about Serbia’s goals, where they see the country developing innovative technologies, and expanding creative ideas. In Niš, Subotica, Kragujevac, Užice, and Novi Pazar, discussions will focus on the Growth Plan, digitalisation, and innovations, the circular economy, cultural heritage, and creative industries that place Serbia on the European culture map.
Europe Day is celebrated throughout Europe, and Belgrade is just one of the cities remembering the Schuman Declaration, which launched the European idea of unity and togetherness across the continent.
It is one of the most significant holidays of the European Union, celebrated for peace, unity, and the aspiration to make war among European nations unthinkable. Europeans are united by the desire for a better life and a prosperous shared future.
