Europe Day

What is Europe Day?

On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a historic speech and plan for deeper cooperation in Europe. Known as the Schuman Declaration, it paved the way for a new era of peace, integration and cooperation across the continent – laying the foundations for the European Union as we know it today.

In today’s changing and challenging world, our Union must be ready to stand strong and be independent. This means coming together to strengthen our security, boost prosperity, and protect our freedom to decide what kind of society and democracy we want to live in.

Europe Day is a chance to recognise this and to celebrate the community of values we represent and are jointly working to protect and nourish. This special occasion is also an opportunity to connect with citizens and to showcase how the EU is working to protect and create opportunities for people and promote partnerships globally.

40 years of shared celebrations

This year, Europe Day also brings cause for special celebration. Not only are we marking 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, but we are also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first official Europe Day celebrations and public use of the EU flag and anthem.

Join us in Brussels

Find events organised by EU institutions in Brussels and explore the interactive map. 

Discover events in Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Frankfurt

Find other events near you

Don’t live near an EU institution? Not a problem. Europe Day is celebrated

• across all 27 EU countries by Commission Representations and European Parliament Liaison Offices
• and around the world by EU delegations and ongoing missions and operations.