Europe Day 2025 Celebrates EU Values, Hong Kong Trade Ties

Europe Day 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a pivotal moment in European history that laid the foundation for the European Union by fostering economic interdependence and peace among former enemies. This plan, inspired by Pope Leo XIII's teachings on social justice, emphasized equality, inclusion, and solidarity, and continues to influence Europe's integration today. The new Pope Leo XIV has expressed intentions to continue this legacy, addressing contemporary social and political challenges with a message of unity and love. Pro-European campaigners in the UK see recent EU-UK summit talks as a hopeful step towards closer ties, particularly in areas like security, trade, and youth mobility, reflecting a broader desire for cooperation and reconciliation. Additionally, the EU maintains strong and diverse economic and cultural relations globally, exemplified by its significant partnership with Hong Kong, highlighting the union's broad and deep international engagement. The concept of a dialogue of civilizations, as promoted by China, complements these efforts by advocating for peer-to-peer intercultural understanding free from imperialism, contrasting with the idea of a clash of civilizations.