Western Europe today celebrates the 77th anniversary of the end of WWII. In France, where this is a national holiday, ceremonies are held at military cemeteries and at war memorials and president Emmanuel Macron is laying flowers at the statue of general Charles de Gaulle and the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arch of Triumph. 8th May celebrations are held this year in a tense international context because of the war in Ukraine, with the allies from 77 years ago now occupying different positions. On Saturday as he was sworn in for his second term, president Macron emphasised the need for European unity to face the challenges of this century.
