Europe Day 2026: Bringing values and dialogue together

On 9 May 2026, citizens will have the opportunity to visit the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the European Committee of the Regions, exploring the halls where European laws are shaped.

On 9 May Europe will celebrate Europe Day, commemorating the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration of 1950. The occasion will offer an opportunity to reaffirm shared principles, strengthen the connection between EU institutions and their citizens, and highlight how Europe’s resilience stems from the diverse and vibrant nature of its regions and cities.

This year, the European institutions will once again welcome the public, providing a unique chance for visitors to gain insight into the workings of Europe. The EU Open Day in Brussels offers interactive programmes, exhibitions, and direct conversations with those actively involved in shaping European policy, thereby promoting institutional openness and transparency.

Of particular significance will be the EU Local Dialogues initiative, established by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) to enhance engagement between EU institutions and citizens.

With the aim of bringing Europe closer to the public, CoR members are organising numerous events in their local communities on Europe Day. As evidence of strong inter-institutional cooperation, senior European Commission representatives attended some of these events: Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu attended the event organised by Luca Menesini (IT/PES) on 7 May 2026 in Florence; and Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis participated in the 'Youth Conference - Be local, think global' gathering in Ādaži on 8 May 2026, led by Karina Mikelsone (LV/Renew).

The following is a list of the different events organised under the EU Local Dialogues initiative:

• 7 May 2026 – 'The EU Local Councillors' Network - Challenges and Opportunities' (Florence, Italy). Organised by Luca Menesini (IT/PES).

• 8 May 2026 – 'Citizens' participation in the EU: How can I participate in the EU policy shaping and decision-taking' (Zagreb, Croatia). Organised by Joško Klisović (HR/PES).

• 8 May 2026 – 'Clare TY EU Summit 2026' (Ennis, Ireland). Organised by Clare Colleran Molloy (IE/Renew).

• 8 May 2026 – 'Youth conference - Be local, think global' (Ādaži, Latvia). Organised by Karina Mikelsone (LV/Renew).

• 8 May 2026 – 'The future of Europe's youth – what does it look like?' (Tampere, Finland). Organised by Mikko Aaltonen (FI/PES).

• 9 May 2026 – 'Europe today - Challenges and opportunities: Housing in Europe. Let's talk about homes' (Rakvere, Estonia). Organised by Andres Jaadla (EE/Renew).

• 9 May 2026 – Europe Day (Saint-Omer, France). Organised by François Decoster (FR/Renew).

• 9 May 2026 – 'Ode to Europe!' (Oulu, Finland). Organised by Mirja Vehkaperä (FI/Renew).

• 9 May 2026 – 'Europe on Two Wheels: How We Make the City a Better Place to Live' (Sofia, Bulgaria). Organised by Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin (BG/Renew).

• 11 May 2026 – 'Europe's Day (Journée de l'Europe)' (Aix-en-Provence, France). Organised by Anne Rudisuhli (FR/Renew).

During Europe Day, the headquarters of the CoR in Brussels will host the Festival of Regions and Cities, welcoming visitors of all ages to an open celebration of European diversity. The event will feature stands from regions and countries across the EU, offering tastings of local specialities, souvenirs, and travel inspiration, alongside dedicated stands where attendees will be able to learn about the role and mission of the Committee.

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union, both countries will hold a prominent presence among the participating delegations. The festival will bring together representatives from more than 15 European regions, including: Regione Lazio, the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta, and the City of Vasto – Costa dei Trabocchi (Italy); the Mazovia Region and the Podkarpackie Region (Poland); the Porto Metropolitan Area, the Douro Intermunicipal Community, and the Viseu Dão Lafões Intermunicipal Community (Portugal); North-East Romania and the Comuna Suciu de Sus – Țara Lăpușului – Maramureș (Romania); and the regions of Navarra, Comunidad Valenciana, Castilla-La Mancha, La Rioja, Comunidad de Madrid, and Castilla y León (Spain).

More information

Europe Day – Flagship event

Contact

Víctor Moreno Morales de Setién
Tel: +32 475999662
Victor.morenomoralesdesetien@cor.europa.eu