In honor of the 62nd anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that Europe will remain engaged around the world and that the coming year is going to be crucial for its recovery.

"The coming year will be crucial for Europe's recovery – and for Europe's future. Not only the steps we take internally in the European Union on the economy and with Croatia joining in July 2013, but also how we engage globally," Ashton said in a statement on Europe Day - May 9.

"We read a lot in the press about the financial crisis and the economic problems we are facing. But the basis of the European economy remains strong. And the common values that bring us together are more important than ever.

Europe has always been outward looking and open. We have consistently influenced the way the world thinks – about trade, the environment, climate change, the death penalty, the International Criminal Court, and many other important issues. I am convinced that Europe must remain actively engaged around the world. And equally that our international work can help to underpin our economic recovery," the statement reads.

Every year we celebrate Europe Day by looking back at the history of European integration and the things we have accomplished together, but it should also be an opportunity to look forward, Ashton said in her Europe Day's message. lk/16:59