"In the Middle East, unfortunately once again, we risk a new escalation that could involve the whole region. We must not allow attention to be diverted from the inhuman suffering of the population in Gaza, the pain of the story, the hostages and their families", said the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell.

In a video message posted on social network X, the head of community diplomacy appealed: "The fighting must end, the suffering must end and a political process must be initiated to implement the two-state solution".

"This [dialogue for a two-state solution] has to happen now because we have been talking about it for years and years without seriously engaging or making it a reality", added Josep Borrell.

In the video message, the High Representative of the EU also recalled the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which "brought high-intensity warfare back to European borders since 2022".

"The Ukrainian people have been fighting for their very existence, for their freedom and for their culture. The European Union has been firmly supporting them and will continue to do so", concluded Josep Borrell.

Today is Europe Day, but it also marks one month before the elections for the European Parliament, 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 several 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 Cristo Rei, the São Bento Palace, the Bragança Castle, the "Anemone" sculpture in Matosinhos or the buildings of the City Councils of Coimbra and Tomar.

In these places, the colours of the EU flag -- blue and yellow -- or the 'slogan' of the European campaign will be displayed: "Use your vote. Or others will decide for you."

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 and has come to represent peace and unity on the European continent.

Read Also: Israeli attacks kill dozens in Rafah and Gaza (Portuguese version)