SXSW 2026 is calling — the European Union is coming back to Austin! Don't miss the EU's return to Texas to celebrate the transatlantic partnership.

The European Union brings together 27 countries at the forefront of culture, creativity, technology, and innovation. Join us at SXSW 2026 to explore Europe's bold perspectives on artificial intelligence, tech and robotics, startups, digital policy, culture, and more.

March 13 features standout programming, including:

• A dynamic panel discussion on AI and the future of work
• A fireside chat with an interactive experience on protecting kids online
• A networking reception
• Live music showcases (Euro dance party, anyone?!)

Connect, learn, and experience how Europe is shaping the future — on and off the stage.

Location: Ballroom, Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 

"Hello, how can I help you?" Standard questions that once started human conversations are now chatbot prompts. As AI embeds in workplaces worldwide, how are these tools transforming professional interactions and workplace culture? What risks are encoded in systems mediating communication between colleagues and customers? Who benefits as AI reshapes the workforce? This panel examines the EU's framework for compliant AI deployment, emerging hiring trends, and shifting skill demands. From voice interfaces to decision-making algorithms, discover how workplace AI is being designed, and what it means for workers, employers, and society at large.

Location: Ballroom, Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

Growing up, we were told to learn math because calculators weren’t everywhere. Today, most of us carry little black screens that guide our navigation, entertainment, social lives, and for many, our careers. In a world where digital dependence is unavoidable, young people are growing up with technology as the air they breathe, often pursuing careers as creators, influencers, or digital entrepreneurs – many doing five jobs at once. 

What does this mean for mental health, creator rights, and the value of human connection? And what can be done to protect this critical connection? Join EU Deputy Ambassador Ruth Bajada and Shira Lazar, Emmy-nominated host and founder of What’s Trending and Creators 4 Mental Health, for a fireside chat exploring how we navigate life, work, and relationships in a world we can almost never truly “opt out” of, and how the EU’s decade of innovation in digital governance is helping shape the future we all live in.

Location: Ballroom, Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

Keep the conversation going with the European Union at Speakeasy! Join us after the fireside chat for a relaxed SXSW networking reception bringing together creators, innovators, policymakers, and digital thinkers from Europe and the United States shaping the future of tech and culture. Expect smart conversations, new connections, and an IRL space to talk about the creator economy, digital policy, and where Europe fits into the global tech landscape, all with good vibes, music, drinks, and EU flair.

Location: Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

What really happens to children online? What risks do they encounter, and how is the European Union responding? Step inside the digital world as young users experience it today.

This immersive, interactive walkthrough puts you in a child’s shoes as you navigate realistic online scenarios, confronting risks such as sexual solicitation, commercial exploitation, and addictive platform design. Along the way, discover how the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) is designed to protect minors and strengthen their rights in the digital environment. Engaging, eye-opening, and grounded in real-world challenges, this activation brings to life the tangible and immediate impact of smart digital policies.

Location: Music Lounge, Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX

Experience the vibrant diversity of European sound across borders and genres. The European Union and German Music Export are teaming up to present four distinct European voices: Prague's electro-pop innovator Aiko, Ukraine's genre-defying Alina Pash, Berlin-based, Turkish singer-songwriter Nilipek, and The Dharma Chain's atmospheric rock. This showcase celebrates the creative energy fueling Europe's music scene. Join us for an unforgettable night of transatlantic cultural exchange.

In addition to the music event, you will also have the opportunity to experience the interactive walkthrough of how the European Union protects and empowers minors online, through the eyes of a child.