Europe Day 2026: Defending democracy, strengthening unity, shaping the future with our partners

Last night, the Rizal Monument and the dancing fountains of Rizal Park were lit up in the blue and gold of the European Union flag. This annual tradition, a cherished symbol of our friendship, marks Europe Day, a moment to reflect on the values that bind our continents together: democracy, peace and the rule of law.

As we celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the visionary plan for European unity, the illumination of these monuments is a beacon of hope in a world where the principles we hold dear, such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and a rules-based international order, are under strain.

Seventy-six years ago, Europe lay in ruins after World War II. The destruction left deep scars not only on cities but on the minds of its people. Yet from this tragedy came a powerful idea: lasting peace could only come through cooperation, not conquest, and through shared institutions, not rival blocs. Robert Schuman, then France’s foreign minister, proposed that Europe’s coal and steel resources be placed under a joint authority. His declaration on May 9, 1950 was more than an economic plan; it was a moral promise that European nations would never again settle disputes through war.

That vision led to the European Coal and Steel Community, the precursor to today’s European Union (EU), a union not of force, but of choice. From six founding members, the EU has grown into a community of 27 democracies, bound by shared values: freedom, equality, the rule of law and human rights. It is a living testament to what nations can achieve when they prioritize collective prosperity over self-interest.

The EU is unique in the world: neither a federation nor a traditional international organization, but a sui generis political and economic union where member-states pool sovereignty in key areas while retaining their national identities. Through shared institutions, the EU has created a system where decisions are made through negotiation, compromise and democratic accountability. This structure has allowed Europe to overcome historical divisions, foster economic integration through the single market (the world’s largest trading bloc) and establish the Euro, a currency used by most of its member-states and over 350 million people.

At its core, the EU is a political or economic project and is also a community of values. EU countries share the belief that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are the foundation of a resilient society. As these values are under pressure from authoritarian regimes, disinformation and economic coercion, the EU’s response is to strengthen its democracies, protect media freedom and ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a green and digital future.

Yet history has not ended. Today, Europe faces its greatest security challenges since the Cold War. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is not just an attack on a sovereign nation, but also an assault on the principles that underpin global peace: territorial integrity, sovereignty and international law. The EU’s response has been clear: unwavering support for Ukraine, through military aid, economic assistance and sanctions against aggression. As High Representative (HRVP) Kaja Kallas has stated: “Peace is not free. It must be defended – every day.”

Europe’s defense goes beyond. From countering hybrid threats (including foreign interference and disinformation) to strengthening its own defense capabilities, the EU is taking unprecedented steps to ensure its security, and that of its partners. At the same time, the EU is working to de-escalate conflicts, including in the Middle East, where recent tensions threaten regional stability, and beyond. The EU is a force for peace and accountability.

No nation can tackle global challenges alone. That is why the EU is forging stronger partnerships, globally, to address climate change, digital transformation, and the defense of democracy. Through the Global Gateway initiative, the EU is investing in sustainable infrastructure worldwide, ensuring that connectivity, green energy and digital innovation serve people, not just profits. All around the globe, the EU is a reliable partner promoting fair trade, sustainable development, human rights and multilateral cooperation.

The vision of shared prosperity and security is at the core of the EU’s engagement with the world. By working closely with like-minded partners, the EU is not only addressing immediate challenges but also shaping a future where global cooperation prevails over division.

Today we are also celebrating the strong partnership between the EU and the Philippines, where our cooperation covers all the sectors relevant for our common growth, while we are daily working together on further enhancing our ties, driven by a common vision in support of the international law, peace, economic and social prosperity.

As the Rizal Monument and the dancing fountains in Rizal Park glow in blue and gold, let them remind us that light prevails when we stand together. On Europe Day, we celebrate more than just the founding of the European Union. We celebrate the power of unity in diversity, the strength of shared values and the promise of a future where partners are never left to face global challenges alone.

This is how, together, we turn challenges into opportunities and how we ensure that the promise of peace, prosperity and justice endures for generations to come.

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Massimo Santoro is the Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines.