Von Anna Konstantinidi Apergi, Sonderberaterin – Diversity Charter Greece
Europe Day marks the anniversary of the 1950 “Schuman Declaration,” but it is also a political and historical reminder of what the European project stands for. Seventy-six years ago, Robert Schuman laid the foundations for a new European architecture, born from the ruins of war, fascism, and the trampling of human dignity. Europe was built as a shared political and values-based project, founded on democracy, the rule of law, equality, and the protection of human and individual rights.
Today, amid a period of intense social and political upheaval, the European Union is being called upon to prove whether it can remain true to its founding principles. The rise of the far right and nationalism in some member states, the targeting of vulnerable population groups, the increase in hate speech, attacks on journalists, human rights defenders, and LGBTQI+ individuals, as well as the erosion of fundamental freedoms in certain European countries, demonstrate that democracy and rights are neither self-evident nor guaranteed.
The European Union itself is founded, both legally and politically, on the protection of these values. Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union enshrines respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to vulnerable population groups. At the same time, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is today one of the most important legal instruments for the protection of individual and social rights in Europe.
Therefore, today’s discussion about Europe cannot be limited solely to the economy or geopolitical stability. First and foremost, this is a discussion about what kind of society we want to build. A society where every person, regardless of gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national or ethnic origin, etc., can live in safety, equality, and dignity. A society without exclusion, without discrimination, and above all, without fear.
See also: Landmark ruling by the ECJ. It requires legal recognition of gender identity in all Member States
Today’s Europe Day is, ultimately, a reminder of our responsibility. Europe is not just its institutions; it is also the values we choose to defend every day. And especially today, at a time when human and individual rights are being challenged more and more openly, defending them is a fundamental prerequisite for democracy and social cohesion.
