"On Europe Day, we honour Robert Schuman's vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous Europe. We celebrate the people who built our Union and those who continue to build it every day," Ursula von der Leyen wrote in a post on the social network X (formerly Twitter). "This day belongs to all Europeans - the dreamers and the doers. Together, we are stronger," added the leader of the EU executive. Von der Leyen is also the European People's Party candidate for the European Commission, aiming for a second term at the head of the institution, and on her X page as head of the centre-right group she asks Europeans to vote, "not letting anyone decide" for them. Today is Europe Day, but it also marks one month to the European Parliament elections, scheduled for 06 to 09 June (in Portugal, the vote is on the latter date). Europe Day is celebrated in more than 60 European cities, including in Portugal, with various initiatives and with several monuments illuminated with messages alluding to the EU and appealing to vote in the European elections. This year's edition of Europe Day takes place 45 years after the first European elections in 1979. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome and the Grand Place in Brussels are among the many landmarks that will be illuminated as part of the event, which in Portugal will include more than 30 monuments or buildings, including the Belém Tower, the Christ the King, the São Bento Palace, the Bragança Castle, the "Anemone" sculpture in Matosinhos or the buildings of the Coimbra and Tomar Town Halls. In these places, the colours of the EU flag -- blue and yellow -- or the slogan of the European campaign: "Use your vote. Or others will decide for you" will be displayed. Europe Day refers to the date in 1950 when the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered the "Schuman Declaration", in which he proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the founding basis of what is now the EU. The date was first celebrated in 1986. Also read: From "betrayal" to 'passion'. Marcelo's last days (and controversies) (Portuguese version)