European elections, in 60 cities the monuments are dyed blue against abstentionism
Numerous buildings in Italy will display the election campaign slogan 'Use your vote. Or others will decide for you'
ROME – The Colosseum in Rome, the Mole Antonelliana in Turin and Castel dell’Ovo in Naples: these are some of the monuments that will be illuminated to celebrate 9 May, Europe Day, at a month from the European elections (8-9 June). Numerous buildings in Italywill display the election campaign slogan ‘Use your vote. Either others will decide for you, or the European flag between today, Wednesday 8 May, and tomorrow, Thursday 9 May. More than 60 cities across Europe are participating in the initiative – the European Parliament explains. Other landmark buildings and monuments that will be illuminated include the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Grand Place in Brussels and the Fuente de Cibeles in Madrid.
“With these illuminations in cities across the continent, the European Parliament and national and local authorities are working together to send a message to 440 million European citizens about the importance that these European elections will have for everyone’s future ”. During the evening of May 9th in Rome there will be the symbolic lighting, with the colors of the European Union, of buildings and cultural places that in Italy represent European history and identity, such as municipal buildings, squares, archaeological sites. The initiative will be anticipated already this evening in other cities such as Milan (Sforzesco Castle and Arco della Pace), Florence (Church of Santa Maria Novella) and Syracuse (Greek theater and ear of Dionysius).
THE SCHUMAN DECLARATION
Europe Day, which is celebrated on 9 May each year, celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date, the Commission recalls, marks the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration which set out the idea of a new form of political cooperation in Europe, in order to make war between European nations unthinkable. Schuman’s proposal is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. Europe Day, we continue to read, is not only a day of remembrance, but also a day to reflect on our shared future. The proximity of the day to the elections makes it a more significant occasion than ever.
(www.agensir.it)