The Schuman Declaration
Europe Day is held every year on 9 May. It recalls the proposal made on 9 May 1950 by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman for France and Germany to place their coal and steel production under a shared authority.
The aim was to make another war between the two countries impossible. Known as the Schuman Declaration, the proposal marked the beginning of European integration and laid the foundations for today’s European Union.
Europe Day in Bulgaria
Europe Day is not a public holiday: it is a normal working day in Bulgaria. The date falls on Saturday, 9 May in 2026, Sunday, 9 May in 2027 and Tuesday, 9 May in 2028.
Bulgaria marks the occasion with open days, concerts and educational initiatives. Europe Day is one of the European Union’s symbols, alongside its flag with 12 stars, the anthem “Ode to Joy” and the motto “United in diversity”.
Bulgaria and the European Union
Bulgaria joined the European Union on 1 January 2007. It participates in the single market and European development programmes, while Bulgarian citizens can live, study and work freely in other member states.
Air and sea border checks were lifted from 31 March 2024, and Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen area on 1 January 2025. Since 1 January 2026, Bulgaria has also been part of the euro area and uses the euro.
The 9 May observance is distinct from the Council of Europe’s Europe Day on 5 May. The Council of Europe is a separate organisation that predates the European Union.