EU Delegation to Mongolia Celebrates Europe Day 2026 in Darkhan City
DARKHAN, MONGOLIA – The Delegation of the European Union to Mongolia celebrated Europe Day 2026 on 23 May in Darkhan city - a historic first, held outside the capital for the very first time. The celebration at Friendship Square brought together thousands of residents of Darkhan-Uul province and visitors from neighbouring provinces for a full day of culture, education, sport, and community, delivering a clear message: our partnership with Mongolia extends to every corner of the country.
Europe Day 2026 highlights video
Europe Day 2026
A Vibrant Open-Air Festival at Friendship Square
Friendship Square was transformed into a lively European-style open-air festival, with over 70 booths showcasing the diversity of Europe and its partnership with Mongolia. Participating booths represented EU Member States, international organisations, EU-funded projects, cultural institutions, educational opportunities including study-in-Europe programmes, and private companies. Visitors sampled foods from across Europe, engaged with cultural performances, and learned about scholarships and exchange programmes spanning education, energy, environment, governance, and civil society. The Delegation also warmly recognises the student volunteers who served as information officers and interpreters throughout the day, demonstrating the enthusiasm of Darkhan's young people for international engagement.
Group Photo of Ambassadors, Distinguished Guests
Europe Day event main stage
Mural Launch: “We Can Create”
EU Delegation created a new public mural on 22 May as part of the “We Can Create” campaign under Global Gateway. The mural celebrates the partnership and friendship between the European Union and Mongolia, highlighting sustainable forestry, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, the promotion of forestry professions, and greener urban development. Carrying the message that forestry creates real skills, stable livelihoods, stronger communities, and healthier environments - not just promises about the future - the artwork reflects the creativity, confidence, and solidarity of Mongolia’s young generation.
As a visible expression of the Global Gateway partnership in Mongolia, the mural symbolises the EU’s long-term commitment to sustainable infrastructure, forestry, clean energy, and inclusive development beyond the capital, while adding a new cultural landmark to Darkhan city.
"We Can Create" Mural, Global Gateway
Mural launch event
3x3 Basketball Competition Energises the Crowd
Europe Day 2026 also featured a 3x3 basketball competition for young people aged 15 to 18, bringing a dynamic sporting energy to the festival and connecting the next generation.
Basketball Medal Award Ceremony
All Teams Before Championship Game
High-Level Attendance and Distinguished Guests
The event was honoured by the attendance of H.E. Ina Marčiulionytė, Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia, First Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia and Minister of Economy and Development J.Enkhbayar, Deputy Prime Minister N.Nomtoibayar, Chair of the Standing Committee of the Parliament of State Structure, Member of Parliament B.Javkhlan, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Ts.Sandag-Ochir, the Chair of the Darkhan-Uul Citizens' Representative Khural A.Yanjmaa, Governor of Darkhan-Uul Province B.Azjargal, and Honorary Ambassadors and Honorary Consuls representing 17 Member States.
Opening Ceremony
Guests During Opening Ceremony
Ambassador Ina, and Chair of Citizens' Representative Hural Ms. A. Yanjmaa
Mascot Jerry and Nada
Forest Partnership project
Europe Day event
Europe Day event