EUROPE DIRECT Information Centres organise over 500 events to celebrate Europe Day on 9 May. The main theme this year is intercultural dialogue. Through the celebrations thousands of people will be able to explore the many faces of the EU.

For the 22nd time this year on 9th May thousands of people across the European Union will celebrate Europe Day: the fact that Europe is more peaceful, democratic and united. 9th May is significant because on 1950, France's then Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, issued a statement known as the Schuman Declaration. In it he set out a vision for a more united Europe, and for the institutions needed to make it work.

This year's 9 May events will form part of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue with the theme: "It's not them and us, it’s you and me". They will celebrate the many strands of Europe's rich cultural mix, and promote dialogue between people from different cultures living in Europe.

In 2007 hundreds of thousands of people took part in the fun. And this year's calendar is busier and more varied than ever such as:

• Greece: an open air concert at Syntagma Square anchored around climate change and the environment featuring international and Greek singers and musicians.
• Germany: an international conference on Jewish music as a force for integration in Europe.
• Spain: "Madrid in Dance" festival.
• Poland: a Europe Day Street Parade in Warsaw
• Malta: secondary school students will take classes in the cuisines of different European and non-European countries.

Pupils also involved: "Europe Day in Schools" initiative

On 9 May, pupils in the schools of the four corners of Europe will discuss the EU's role in the world with European Commission 'ambassadors'. By going local, to talk directly to European students (13-18 year-olds) and listen to their views, the Commission 'ambassadors' will stimulate debate on the EU's commitment to solidarity.

The 'Europe Day in Schools’ initiative, organised in collaboration with regional authorities, aims to raise awareness among young people of the EU's actions to fight poverty in the world.