Today in history: On may 5, 1964 – The Council of Europe declares May 5 as Europe Day

On May 5, 1964, the Council of Europe officially declared May 5 as Europe Day, marking a symbolic moment in the continent's post-war recovery and unity efforts. This day commemorates the founding of the Council of Europe itself, which was established on May 5, 1949, in Strasbourg. 

The Council was the first major European institution set up after World War II, created to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe. Declaring a Europe Day was a way to celebrate not just the Council's founding but also the broader idea of European cooperation and shared values.

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Europe Day was intended to remind Europeans of the importance of unity and peace after the devastation of two world wars. The Council of Europe, unlike the later European Union, included a broader group of countries and focused on intergovernmental cooperation rather than economic integration.

 Its founding marked a turning point, as countries with bitter wartime histories began to build bridges through dialogue and collaboration. By dedicating May 5 to this cause, the Council of Europe hoped to inspire a sense of belonging to a shared European community beyond national borders.

It’s important to note that May 5 is not the only date known as Europe Day. The European Union celebrates its own Europe Day on May 9, commemorating the Schuman Declaration of 1950, which laid the groundwork for the EU.

 While both days promote European unity, the May 5 observance is tied more closely to the ideals of human rights and democracy under the Council of Europe. Together, these dates reflect Europe’s complex but determined journey toward lasting peace, cooperation, and unity.