ATHENS — The flags of Greece and the European Union were raised at the Acropolis early on Sunday in celebration of "Europe Day 2021", in the presence of Hellenic Republic President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas.

President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou commemorates European Day, end of WW II. (Photo by Eurokinissi/ Yiannis Panagopoulos)

The event highlights the day in 1950 when the precursor of the EU – the European Coal and Steel Community – was proposed by the Schuman Declaration. Greece joined the European block in 1981, completing 40 years of membership in 2021.

🇬🇷 Ιστορική στιγμή 🇪🇺

Η Σημαία της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης κυματίζει και η «Ωδή στη χαρά» ανακρούεται στη Σκεπή του Ευρωπαϊκού πολιτισμού… στην Ακρόπολη των Αθηνών @PresidencyGR@MargSchinas#EuropeDay#40ΕλλαδαΕΕpic.twitter.com/KfK98SOidm

— Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή 🇪🇺 (@EEAthina) May 9, 2021

In a tweet in Greek, Schinas said, "Europe Day today at the sacred rock of the Acropolis. Greek and European flags together for the first time at the monument of global culture. A unique, unprecedented moment. Greece and Europe together, always consistent before history's commanding calls."

Greek, EU flags raised on the Acropolis to commemorate Europe Day 2021. (Photo by Eurokinissi/ Yiannis Panagopoulos)