9 May is one of the symbols of the European Union. Europe Day is celebrated on that day every year. But few Europeans know what this celebration is about.

A-Z: S for Symbol - 9 May

Every year, on this date,   we celebrate Europe Day.

But few Europeans know   what we're celebrating.

500 young people are in Metz   in France to find out.

These young people are 18-26 years old   and come from all over Europe.

They have gathered in Metz   in Northern France to celebrate Europe.

9 May is not the anniversary   of the beginning of the EU

It was an idea proposed by Robert   Schuman in 1950, 60 years ago.

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.

a date which has become   a symbol of the EU.

Schuman is one of the fathers of the EU.   What do young people think?

Hi, do you know who   Robert Schuman is?

Not really. I know he was   the man who made the proposition

to have a collaboration   between France and Germany.

to unite their steel and coal production,   the materials of WWII,

under a High Authority,   open to all European countries,

the ECSC, the European Coal   and Steel Community,

The city of Metz was chosen for this   celebration, to pay homage to Schuman

as his house is just a few   kilometres from here.

He came from Germany.   I know he was bilingual.

He was from two cultures   but was French.

Schuman was born in Luxembourg.   He was German by birth.

After the war, he changed his nationality   and became French.

A true European, he was   the first man to preside

over the Parliamentary Assembly,   ancestor of today's Parliament.

On 9 May we celebrate Robert Schuman   and his declaration.

It's a symbol of the EU,   along with the flag,

the motto 'United in Diversity'   and the anthem.

I won't annoy you any more, I'll do that   in the next episode of A-Z. Bye.