For the 22nd time thousands of people across the European Union will celebrate Europe Day - the fact that Europe is more peaceful, democratic and united. The slogan of the celebrations will be "It is not them and us, it is you and me", Rapid announced.

In each EU Member State, European Commission Representations and EUROPE DIRECT Information Centres will organise over 500 events to celebrate Europe Day on 9 May. The main theme this year is intercultural dialogue. Through the celebrations thousands of people will be able to explore the many faces of the EU.

In Bulgaria EUROPE DIRECT Information Centres will also mark Europe Day. You can see their program here.

European Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström said: "Europe Day is an occasion for the EU Institutions to show their human face and for people to see that Europe is about people, and not just institutions or legislation."

The date is significant because on 9 May 1950, France's then Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, issued a statement known as the Schuman Declaration. In it he set out a vision for a more united Europe, and for the institutions needed to make it work.