Words and numbers of friendship

May 9th is Europe Day. I am often asked what the significance of May 9th is and the answer is quite simple. On May 9, 1950, my countryman, then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, delivered a rather technical 878-word address (almost the length of this column).

World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it. The contribution which an organized and living Europe can bring to civilization is indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. (…)

Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity. The coming together of the nations of Europe requires the elimination of the age-old opposition of France and Germany. Any action taken must in the first place concern these two countries. With this aim in view, the French Government proposes that action be taken immediately on one limited but decisive point. It proposes that Franco-German production of coal and steel as a whole be placed under a common High Authority, within the framework of an organization open to the participation of the other countries of Europe. The pooling of coal and steel production should immediately provide for the setting up of common foundations for economic development as a first step in the federation of Europe, and will change the destinies of those regions which have long been devoted to the manufacture of munitions of war, of which they have been the most constant victims. The solidarity in production thus established will make it plain that any war between France and Germany becomes not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible (…)

Hence, 74 years ago, the European Union was born with an 878-word address, later known as the “Schuman Declaration.” Just think that these words were delivered exactly five years after the armistice of WWII that killed 20 million people in Europe alone, including six million Jews. Europe Day celebrates a simple collection of words, a vision, a promise and an achievement.

Robert Schuman’s words, spoken decades ago, still resonate deeply with the 450 million EU citizens – and, I daresay, with the entire world. Peace, even if it demands constant effort, remains an ideal worthy of our unwavering commitment.

More than ever, the Philippines and the European Union stand together in upholding a rules-based international order, based on humanitarian principles. This solidarity is evident in our response to the illegal and unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the simmering tensions in the South China Sea. Force cannot dictate what is right.

Over many years the EU has been a staunch supporter of the peace process in Mindanao. During my time as EU ambassador, we could further contribute and even if there are still many challenges, this peace process is being seen as an example worldwide. I would like to congratulate all parties to this achievement and assure you that the EU will remain a partner as long as you want us to be.

The Philippines and the EU are now working also together on a circular economy, sustainable energy and enhanced connectivity, so to build a greener and more interconnected future. The recently signed 60-million-euro Green Economy Program is a concrete example of our joint commitment to sustainability. It includes embracing the circular economy, reducing waste and plastic usage, ensuring water supply and wastewater treatment, promoting energy efficiency and deploying renewable energy to address the impacts of the climate crisis. This is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy which aims at boosting investment in infrastructure projects worldwide, including the Philippines. It focuses on areas like sustainable energy, digital connectivity and climate action. The EU is approaching this as Team Europe, bringing together the strengths of the EU institutions, all EU member-states and European financial institutions.

Looking ahead, our partnership holds immense promise. We can deepen our economic ties through a potential free trade agreement, fostering stronger connections and significant growth opportunities. Our collaboration also extends to security, maritime safety, satellite observation and digital connectivity, good governance, access to justice and disaster preparedness and response. While our key counterparts are in the national government, we work on a daily basis with a wide range of stakeholders: regional and local governments, diplomatic and development partners, representatives of civil society and private sector. Together we work towards a resilient and prosperous Philippines, which will contribute to lasting regional stability.

This Europe Day is special because we also celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the EU and the Philippines. In fact, it was also in May when the Philippines sent its first Ambassador to the then European Economic Community. This first envoy’s name was Vicente Singian. On May 14, we will open a month-long, multimedia exhibition at the Yuchengco Museum highlighting some milestones of these 60 years of partnership and friendship.

Last Sunday in Luneta, at sunset, when Manileño families enjoyed the welcome breeze from the Bay, we honored the tradition since 2022 of starting Europe Day celebrations with the lighting of the Rizal Monument and the Musical Dancing Fountain in our European blue and yellow colors to the sound of “Ode to Joy,” our EU hymn. Rizal Park has many connections to Europe and the national hero himself, Jose Rizal, was also a European intellectual who traveled all around our continent, spoke most of our languages and whose seminal books were first published in Europe.

On the eve of his tragic departure, Rizal also composed a short, 580-word text that still resonates today:

Adiós, Patria adorada, región del sol querida, Perla del mar de oriente, nuestro perdido Edén (…) Morir por darte vida, morir bajo tu cielo, Y en tu encantada tierra la eternidad dormir.

I was still a young man, joven ya lleno de vigor, when I first encountered Schuman’s words. To be honest, his technical prose didn’t exactly captivate me. Some critics might scoff and say European integration was just a dry exercise for lawyers and accountants. Then, something shifted. With each rereading, the profound truth of his message resonated deeper: World peace requires our creative efforts, indeed! In this journey as EU servant that has been my life journey for most of it, our Union has become larger and stronger. As my term will soon come to an end, this is my last celebration of Europe Day as EU Ambassador. I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate this so particular day for me than the Philippines, the country of Jose Rizal, my fellow European, my Filipino friend!

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Luc Veron is Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines.