Each year, the Spring Fair hosts a stand dedicated to the European Union, as May 9th marks the anniversary of the declaration made in 1950 by Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of Europe. Today more than ever, in an uncertain international context marked by geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, economic transitions, and social divides, European values remain essential. “In the face of the ongoing rise of eurosceptic and europhobic movements, democratic regressions observed in certain member states, May 9th remains an opportunity to reaffirm our common values outlined in the European project, values that are non-negotiable,” as specified by Antoine Spécia, president of the twinning committee and the Network of Citizen Cities of Europe. “Freedom, the rule of law, respect for human dignity, equality, social justice, and solidarity are the foundation of a protective Europe turned towards the future.”
With a firm commitment to convey these messages, the twinning committee, supported by the Europe Direct Pyrénées institution, was present on May 8th and 9th at the Spring Fair to welcome, discuss, and inform. These two days were rich in exchanges, particularly with young people, including Swedish and Agen students enrolled in the Erasmus program, as well as a representative of European institutions from Brussels. The visit of a delegation of officials led by the mayor of Tarascon, accompanied by the secretary general of the prefecture, the vice-president of the regional council, the vice-president of the departmental council of Bouches-du-Rhône, and local elected officials, reminded that a strong and solidary Europe is built through projects initiated in the territories. For Antoine Spécia, “twinning relationships remain relevant. They play and are still called upon to play a major role in the emergence of a common identity for all European citizens.”
