Europe Day 2026
Every year more and more local leaders are organising activities on (or near) Europe Day, 9 May, helping citizens to recognise and celebrate the European dimension of their identity (local, regional, national, and European). Many citizens recognise and want to celebrate this dimension but don't know how to, or they are dependent on their political leaders to provide the opportunity. Liberal and democrat mayors and regional leaders have increasingly been showing the way, and in this document we provide you with a compilation of different initiatives that have taken place or could take place.
You will also find a list of suggestions to consider when planning the activities. You an also download them here.
Ideas for celebrations:
For schools
Week of the European Union | Exhibition
Difficulty in organising: Medium
A school can host an information exhibition on the history of the EU, its goals, the institutions and its symbols. Slides, pictures and videos could be shown all week. An exhibition of publications on the European Union can take place in the school library. On May 9 you can host a game of EU capitals, winners can be awarded with sweet gifts. On that day during breaks, you can play the EU anthem and music from EU countries in their national languages.
An interactive tour of European cultural heritage objects | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Each class can present a selected EU cultural heritage object (song, dance, presentation, acting, photos, postcards, magnets). Winners are awarded prizes and sweet gifts.
We can know Europe by playing! | Games
Difficulty in organising: Easy
During breaks, pupils can be offered board games and online games. A list of potential games can be found here.
Creative Workshops "Flags of the European Union" | Workshop
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Organise a workshop and familiarise pupils with the flags of the European Union and the Member States. Organise quiz and present pupils with sweet gifts.
For citizens
Europe today: challenges and opportunities | Discussion
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Organise a local discussion on the future of Europe and why the Union is needed for 21st century challenges. Invite a Member of European Parliament, local councillor and representatives from public and various other organisations. Invite a journalist to moderate the discussion.
Culinary delights of Europe (with friends) | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Encourage citizens to host a dinner party with delights from European countries.
Erasmus students | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Invite Erasmus students to give a presentation about their country or city of origin or prepare a dish from their region.
Discussions with EU civil servants | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Invite current or former EU civil servants to deliver a presentation and host a Q&A session for local citizens.
For municipal or regional authorities
Guided tour of EU funded places | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Organise a guided tour in your municipality of the places which have received EU funding. Inform citizens about the history of each site and how EU funding transformed it. Explain how EU funding is an expression of solidarity between EU Member States.
Traces of European Culture in your city | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Medium
Identify a location that has traces of European culture. For example, maybe your local park, library, or cathedral was designed by an architect from another Member State, and so on. Organise orienteering competitions, walking or bike tours and explore your city and notable areas that have European roots or influences.
European lesson at the local council | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Organise an educational activity for citizens of all ages. Introduce participants to the work of the local council, how it connects with the European institutions, the role of EU, and importance of the EU membership. At the request of the visitors, organise fun activities such as a quiz or role-playing games.
Multiplex online meeting | Activity
Difficulty in organising: Hard
Set up a joint online meeting with citizens or schools of one or more sister cities in other EU Member States.
Encourage joint projects or partnerships that allow citizens to experience Europe together (e.g., virtual tours, cultural exchange, discussions on common challenges). Check beforehand the language of communication.
Model European Union at the local council| Activity
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Introduce citizens of all ages to the European Union by organising a simulation of the European Union's legislative process.
Knowledge Fair "Get to know the States of Europe" | Fair
Difficulty in organising: Medium
Organise a fair that allows citizens to get to know the European Union as deeply as possible, provide national stands, mini-lessons, concerts. Introduce visitors to various aspects of the European Union.
Celebrating Europe! | Concert
Difficulty in organising: Hard
A concert in the Old Town Square. Songs can be performed in various European languages; you can invite local dance groups representing various European dancing styles, rocket, flamenco, slow waltz and others. Invite local school pupils to put a map of Europe (which they can make themselves) and colour the European Countries with coloured crayons.
Recognition of European citizenship! | Symbolic diploma
Difficulty in organising: Easy
Deliver symbolic diplomas recognising EU citizenship to any resident who requests it and who shows ID proving they have the citizenship of one of the 27 EU Member States.
Organising your activity – steps you might wish to consider
Menu of non-compulsory suggestions to facilitate your planning:
- Think of activities that provide a good balance: fun, serious, remembrance, future. This can include food, culture, (simulation) games, political debates, educational activities, language lessons, history exhibitions, proposals for the future. Ensure there is something for all ages!
- Brainstorm ideas to involve the citizens.
- Build a coalition of willing people.
- Plan how to promote the activities working with local media and social media.
- Consider if there are any local associations to involve.
- Consider how the city administration should be involved.
- Ensure there is clear leadership, either from a citizens' group, local associations, or the city administration.
- Think of ways to ensure the European dimension is present: for example, with residents in your area originating from other European countries, or with guests invited to come from other European countries. If there is a nearby university, involve the Erasmus students.
- Consider teaming up with other towns in other countries.