Flag of Europe to fly on top of Lerwick Town Hall

THE FLAG of Europe will fly above Lerwick Town Hall on Sunday (9 May) to mark Europe Day.

The day is chosen as the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration on 9 May 1950, when Robert Schuman, French minister of Europe and foreign affairs, proposed closer European integration in the years after World War Two.

The Council of Europe was set up in 1949 to promote democracy and protect human rights and the rule of law in Europe.  It includes membership of 47 European countries and is distinct from the European Union which comprises 27 Member States.

Despite leaving the European Union at the end of 2020, the United Kingdom continues to be a member of the Council of Europe and has permanent representatives who work with its various institutions.

Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell said:  “We have flown the European Flag at Lerwick Town Hall for many years and will continue to do so. Shetland has always been an outward looking and inclusive community.

“We are proud that people from across Europe and beyond have made Shetland their home and welcome the priceless contribution they make to our islands.”