United in diversity

United in diversity, the motto of the European Union, first came into use in 2000.

It signifies how Europeans have come together, in the form of the EU, to work for peace and prosperity, while at the same time being enriched by the continent’s many different cultures, traditions and languages.

Being a citizen of the European Union is first and foremost about peace. After the First World War, people said ‘never again’ and then we had the Second World War. The stepping stones to the European Union have helped us celebrate unity in diversity and reject the wars that have torn Europe apart for centuries.

Bono says EU citizens should get ‘misty eyed’ about Europe

Bono, co-founder of the ONE Campaign, addresses the delegates at the EPP Congress in Dublin

‘When Americans talk about their United States they get all misty-eyed and emotional I mean even Irish people get misty-eyed in emotion talking about the United States! Why do we get emotional and misty-eyed when you think about Europe… and if not why not?’