This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it today, and led to an unprecedented era of peace, democracy, prosperity, integration and cooperation across the continent.
In 2026, Europe Day also marks two important milestones: 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, and 40 years since the first official Europe Day celebrations.
To mark the occasion, many events will take place across EU Member States and beyond, bringing together citizens from all walks of life. The EU institutions will open their doors to visitors, offering educational activities about their work, as happens every year.
Landmark buildings and monuments across Europe and around the world will be illuminated in the EU colours.
In a rapidly changing world, the EU and its institutions are working to protect democracy, boost prosperity and strengthen security. Europe Day is an opportunity for citizens and their institutions to come together to celebrate their shared community and achievements.
The European Parliament invites citizens to discover how EU legislation shapes everyday life and how they can influence Europe’s future, under the motto ‘Come and See Democracy in Action.’ Doors open at 10:00 CEST in Brussels with a performance by the European Parliament Choir, followed by a solemn opening ceremony at 11:00 CEST in the Hemicycle, with addresses by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Vice-President Sophie Wilmès. Visitors can take part in quizzes, presentations and discussions, enjoy family-friendly activities, and follow a live music stage 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 rich cultural programme is planned in Wiltz, in the presence of H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
The European Council / Council of the European Union will open its doors for guided tours in the Justus Lipsius building in Brussels, offering a rare look at where key European decisions are made. Each of the 27 Member States will host a stand showcasing their culture, traditions and culinary specialties. Children will enjoy a treasure hunt and a fun fact quest, while a photo booth will allow visitors to take a selfie on the red carpet, in the shoes of an EU leader.
The European Commission will open its iconic Berlaymont building in Brussels to the public starting at 10:00 CEST with an address by Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera. Under the slogan ‘Europe’s Moment’, visitors will explore interactive thematic spaces covering democracy and values, climate, prosperity, social justice, security and Europe’s global role, alongside an art and architecture trail. The celebrations will continue into the evening with free live music from 18:30 CEST at Place des Palais in Brussels.
The European Central Bank will take part in Frankfurt‘s Europa-Fest on the historic Römerberg market square, alongside the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, where visitors will 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 redesign and the digital euro project.
The European External Action Service will open its Brussels headquarters from 10:00 CEST to 18:00 CEST, inviting visitors to ‘Step inside EU Diplomacy.’ The programme includes interactive exhibits, meetings with EU ambassadors, and live video calls with EU staff worldwide. The event will also feature ‘The World in One Day’, a cultural celebration with music, dance, freestyle football, crafts and family activities. An opening ceremony will take place at 11:00 CEST in the presence of representatives of partner countries and international organisations.
The European Committee of the Regions will open its doors in Brussels on Europe Day, inviting visitors to discover how the institution representing Europe’s regions and cities works, and what regional and local elected 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, arts and crafts, and offer tastings of local produce.
The European Economic and Social Committee will welcome the public to its Brussels premises at rue Belliard 99-101 from 10:00 CEST to 18:00 CEST. Visitors will meet members and staff, join guided tours in different EU languages, and discover how civil society shapes EU policies. The programme includes thematic stands, a puzzle sticker game, a caricaturist, a postcard station, live music and children’s activities. French EESC members will also take part in the ‘Fête d’Europe’ in Paris.
The European Investment Bank Group Permanent Representation will showcase the Group’s role and activities in the Europa building in Brussels. Interactive quizzes and videos will highlight investments across the 27 EU Member States. On 10 May, colleagues from headquarters in Luxembourg will host the same stand at the EU Village in Wiltz, Luxembourg.
In Strasbourg and Luxembourg, EU institutions will also open their doors in May. The European Parliament’s Strasbourg Open Day will take place on 17 May, with visits to the hemicycle and a full civic and cultural programme. Luxembourg will mark Europe Day on 9 May with cultural events and information stands at the Parliament’s Grand Duchy premises.
Across the EU and around the world, in every Member State, European Commission Representations and European Parliament Liaison Offices will organise local Europe Day events — from public debates and school visits to exhibitions and cultural gatherings. Beyond Europe, EU delegations will mark the occasion with public events and outreach worldwide. Landmark buildings across the globe will be illuminated in EU colours.
Background
Today, the European Commission published a new Eurobarometer survey, which shows that a great majority of Europeans see benefits from EU membership and see the EU as a pillar of stability and security. Nearly three quarters of Europeans believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. In a challenging global context, Europeans increasingly see the EU as a source of stability, alongside record-high backing for a common defence and security policy. Three quarters of respondents (75%) say they feel they are citizens of the EU, matching the highest level ever recorded in spring 2025.
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