– annual commemoration of the end of the Second World War on May 9, 1945, throughout ALL OF Europe.
This year marks 81 years ago!
– annual commemoration of the “Schuman Declaration” on May 9, 1950, as the starting point of the EU.
This year marks 76 years ago!
– to celebrate a united Europe that gives us peace, freedom, and prosperity.
– to enjoy each other’s culture: customs, traditions, art, language, music, dance, food, and drink.
– to strengthen the bond between EU citizens and the sense of European identity.  
– to develop a collective European identity:

Peace and security:
1. Lasting peace: The EU has contributed to the longest period of peace in Western Europe since Roman times.
2. Security cooperation: Member States cooperate on counter-terrorism, border control, and combating crime.
3. Diplomatic influence: The EU acts as a major player on the world stage and promotes peace and stability globally.

Economic benefits:
4. Common market: The internal market without borders promotes trade, investment, and economic growth.
5. Free movement of persons, goods, services, and capital: This increases economic opportunities and competition.
6. Euro: The common currency facilitates trade within the eurozone and reduces transaction costs.
7. Trade agreements: The EU concludes trade agreements with other countries and regions, which increases export opportunities.
8. Regional development: The EU invests in less developed regions to reduce economic and social inequality.
9. Agricultural subsidies: The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports farmers and food security.
10. Competitiveness: The EU aims for a competitive economy by stimulating innovation, research and development.

Citizens’ rights and protection:
11. Freedom of travel, residence and work: EU citizens can travel, live and work freely in other Member States.
12. Consumer protection: The EU guarantees high standards for product safety and consumer rights.
13. Labour rights: The EU establishes minimum standards for working conditions, equal treatment and social security. 

Democratic Deficit & Sovereignty:
1. Democratic Deficit: Over the years, the European Parliament has gained significantly more power and is directly elected. National parliaments also play a role in scrutinizing EU decision-making. The EU strives for greater transparency and citizen participation.
2. Loss of National Sovereignty: Proponents emphasize that cooperation within the EU leads to more influence on global challenges (climate, trade, security) than individual member states would have. Sovereignty is shared to achieve common goals.
3. Opacity of Decision-Making: The EU is working on greater transparency by making documents public and explaining decision-making processes. The complex system is inherent to the cooperation of 27 diverse countries.
4. Influence of lobby groups: The EU has rules and registers for lobbyists to increase transparency and combat undue influence. Work is underway on stricter ethical rules for EU officials.
5.Lack of direct accountability: The European Parliament can hold the Commission accountable and even force it to resign. Commissioners are politically responsible for their policy areas.
Economic & Social Policy:
6. Bureaucracy and regulatory burden: The EU strives for “Better Regulation” to reduce administrative burdens and improve the effectiveness of legislation. Many rules are necessary to ensure a fair internal market.7. 
7. Unfair competition: The EU attempts to combat unfair competition through rules on state aid, competition, and the protection of workers’ rights. There are mechanisms to tackle social dumping.
8. Agricultural Policy (CAP): The CAP is being reformed to become more sustainable, more focused on environmental protection, and to better support smaller farmers. It also ensures food security.
9. Differences in prosperity: The EU’s cohesion policy aims to reduce economic and social disparities between regions through investments in less developed areas.
10. Euro crisis and economic management: Mechanisms have been established (ESM) to assist Member States in financial difficulties. Economic governance is being strengthened to promote stability and coordination.
11. Social dumping: The revision of the Posting of Workers Directive and other measures are intended to better protect workers and combat social dumping.
12. Lack of a common immigration policy: The EU is working on a new migration and asylum pact to distribute responsibility more fairly and streamline procedures. However, this is a politically sensitive and complex issue.