Europe Day 2012

Celebration of Europe Day - 9th May, 2012

On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman the French foreign minister presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. This proposal, known as the "Schuman Declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union.

The 9th of May is identified as a European symbol (Europe Day) which, along with the flag, the anthem, the motto and the single currency (the Euro), identifies the political entity of the European Union. Europe Day is the occasion for activities and festivities that bring Europe closer to its citizens and peoples of the Union closer to one another.

The European Union, our key development partner continues to support our country’s socio economic development, evidenced by the over twenty-three million Euros in grant funding to be received for the development of critical sectors including Agriculture, Tourism, Geothermal Energy, Water and Health. This commitment is being kept amidst Europe’s present challenges and for this we Dominicans are eternally grateful.

In recognition of Europe Day this year, the Office of the National Authorising Officer for the European Development Fund is highlighting the contribution that the European Union has made towards the overall development of the Commonwealth of Dominica. One major activity being undertaken is an educational competition amongst the secondary schools for the submission of business proposals under the theme “Innovative Business Opportunities along the Waitukubuli National Trail - Discover Nature for Heritage Development.” The students who have been shortlisted are being given an opportunity to present their proposals today May 9, 2012 at the Public Service Training Centre from 2:30pm.

On the celebration of Europe Day 2012, Miss Carleen Roberts, the National Authorising Officer for the European Development Fund, on behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica, expresses her gratitude to the European Union for its continued dynamic support and valuable partnership.