The European Olympic Committees are pleased to celebrate Europe Day on 9 May 2023 ahead of a busy summer of sport for the continent.
Celebrated since 1985, the European Communities chose 9 May to mark the Schuman Declaration from 1950, which is widely considered to have been the beginning of what is now the European Union (EU).
Countries across the EU are marking Europe Day, while the 43rd EOC Seminar in Paris on 12 and 13 May will bring together the European National Olympic Committees for discussion and collaboration.
Europe will once again come together this summer as the EOC host the European Games 2023 in Krakow and the Malopolska region of Poland, as well as a Summer European Youth Olympic Festival in Slovenia and the Games of the Small States of Europe in Malta.
EOC President Spyros Capralos said: “While the European Union brings together many countries in Europe on a political level, the European Olympic Committees are proud to bring together the continent on a sporting level.
“This week, after celebrating Europe Day today (Tuesday), we will bring together the European National Olympic Committees of our Association for the 43rd EOC Seminar in Paris. This will see two days of discussion, debate and collaboration and is a great example of European unity.
“We will see this again at all three of our events this summer, not least in Poland when more than 7000 athletes will compete alongside each other at the third edition of the European Games.”
