Europeans celebrate unity, values and democracy on Europe Day 2026

Today, 9 May, Europeans are celebrating Europe Day. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it and ushered in an unprecedented era of peace, democracy, prosperity, integration and cooperation across the continent.

In 2026, Europe Day will also mark two important milestones: 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, and 40 years since the first official celebrations of Europe Day.

To mark the occasion, numerous events will be held in EU Member States and beyond, bringing together citizens from all walks of life. As in previous years, the EU institutions will open their doors to visitors, offering educational activities on their work.

Iconic buildings and monuments across Europe and the rest of the world will be lit up in the EU’s colours.

In a constantly changing world, the EU and its institutions work to protect democracy, promote prosperity and strengthen security. Europe Day is an opportunity for citizens and their institutions to come together to celebrate their community and their shared achievements.

The European Parliamentinvites citizens to discover how EU legislation shapes everyday life and how they can influence the future of Europe, under the slogan ‘Come and discover democracy in action’. Doors open at 10:00 CEST inBrusselswith a performance by the European Parliament Choir, followed by a formal opening ceremony at 11:00 CEST in the Chamber, with speeches by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the Vice-President, Sophie Wilmès. Visitors will be able to take part in competitions, presentations and debates, enjoy activities for the whole family and watch a live concert on the Esplanade. In Luxembourg, activities will include guided tours of the Europa Experience and an exhibition on the fight against disinformation. The following day, a packed cultural programme is scheduled in Wiltz, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

The European Council/Council of the European Unionwill open its doors for guided tours at the Justus Lipsius building inBrussels, offering a unique opportunity to see where key European decisions are made. Each of the 27 Member States will have a stand showcasing its culture, traditions and culinary specialities. Children will enjoy a treasure hunt and a quiz, whilst a photo booth will allow visitors to take a selfie on the red carpet, feeling like an EU leader.

The European Commission will open its iconic Berlaymont buildingin Brussels to the public from 10:00 CEST with a speech by Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera. Under the theme ‘Europe’s Moment’, visitors will be able to explore interactive themed spaces on democracy and values, climate, prosperity, social justice, security and Europe’s global role, as well as an artistic and architectural tour. The celebrations will continue into the evening with free live music from 18:30 CEST at the Place des Palais in Brussels.

The European Central Bankwill take part in the Europa-Fest inFrankfurt, to be held in the historic Römerberg market square, alongside the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority. There, visitors will be able to meet experts and enjoy interactive games. The European Central Bank will also be present at the Europa Building in Brussels, where experts will answer questions about the euro, the new banknote design and the digital euro project.

The European External Action Servicewill open its doorsin Brussels from 10:00 to 18:00 CEST, inviting visitors to discover EU diplomacy. The programme includes interactive exhibitions, meetings with EU ambassadors and live video calls with EU staff around the world. The event will also feature ‘The World in a Day’, a cultural celebration with music, dance, freestyle football, crafts and activities for the whole family. The opening ceremony will take place at 11:00 CEST, attended by representatives from partner countries and international organisations.

The European Committee of the Regionswill open its doors inBrusselson Europe Day, inviting visitors to discover how the institution representing Europe’s regions and cities works, and what elected regional and local politicians do for them. Visitors will learn about the Committee’s role and activities, explore its political groups and experience European cultural diversity at the Festival of Regions and Cities, which will showcase projects, art and crafts, and offer tastings of local produce.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)will welcome the public to its Brussels headquarters at 99-101 Rue Belliard from 10:00 to 18:00 CEST. Visitors will be able to meet members and staff, take part in guided tours in various EU languages, and discover how civil society influences European policies. The programme includes themed stands, a sticker game, a caricaturist, a postcard stand, live music and children’s activities. The French members of the EESC will also take part in the ‘Europe Day’ celebrations in Paris.

The Permanent Representation of the European Investment Bank Group will present the Group’s role and activities at the Europa building in Brussels. Interactive quizzes and videos will highlight investments across the 27 EU Member States. On 10 May, colleagues from the head office in Luxembourg will run the same stand at the EU Village in Wiltz, Luxembourg.

In Strasbourg and Luxembourg,the EU institutions will also be opening their doors in May. The European Parliament’s Open Day in Strasbourg will take place on 17 May, featuring tours of the Chamber and a full programme of civic and cultural events. Luxembourg will celebrate Europe Day on 9 May with cultural events and information stands at the Parliament’s headquarters in the Grand Duchy.

Across the EU and the rest of the world, in every Member State, the European Commission’s Representations and the European Parliament’s Liaison Offices will organise local events to mark Europe Day: from public debates and school visits to exhibitions and cultural gatherings. Outside Europe, EU delegations will mark the occasion with public events and outreach activities worldwide. Iconic buildings across the globe will be lit up in the colours of the EU.

Background

The European Commission has published a new Eurobarometer surveyshowing that a large majority of Europeans see the benefits of EU membership and regard the EU as a pillar of stability and security. Almostthree-quarters of Europeans believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. In a complex global context, Europeans increasingly see the EU as a source of stability, alongside unprecedented support for acommon defence and security policy. Three-quarters of respondents (75%) say they feel like EU citizens, matching the highest level ever recorded in spring 2025.

More information: European Commission.