Brussels, May 09, 2015 - A joint delegation of EUPOL COPPS, the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) and the Palestinian High Judicial Council (HJC) participated in the celebrations of Europe Day at the European External Action Service (EEAS) premises in Brussels.

The one-day event, which has attracted thousands of guests, was an important occasion for the public to learn more about the EU and its work, including that of all the 16 EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions.

EUPOL COPPS, the PCP and the HJC delegation stood in a joint booth with the other EU CSDP Mission in the area, EUBAM Rafah. The Mission and its Palestinian counterparts displayed promotional material and provided information to the public and European officials, illustrating their most recent achievements.

During the visit in Belgian capital, EUPOL COPPS also facilitated meetings between the Palestinian representatives and officials from the EU institutions such as the EU Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC). Meetings also took place with the General Delegation of Palestine to the EU, the International Relations Directorate of the Belgian federal Police and the Brussel’s Public Prosecutor.

Europe Day, the 9th of May, celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. At a speech in Paris in 1950, the French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable. Each year thousands of people take part in visits, debates, concerts and other events to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU.