Europe Day

What is Europe Day?

Europe Day, celebrated on May 9, commemorates the 1950 'Schuman declaration' and the vision of a united Europe.

Europe was built on a simple yet powerful promise: that people shall live in freedom, that their rights will be protected, and that they will always be treated as equals.

These values have always been at the heart of the European project. When our founders came together after the tragedy of World War Two, they didn’t just choose cooperation over conflict, but also democracy over authoritarianism, solidarity over self-sufficiency.

Today’s global challenges make the EU’s role in promoting security, partnership, and shared values more important than ever.

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European Union 2024

Step inside EU Diplomacy

As we mark Europe Day 2026, we invite you to step inside the world of EU diplomacy and discover how we work to promote European cooperation and democracy across the globe.

At its headquarters in Brussels (Rdpt Robert Schuman 9, 1046 Bruxelles), the European External Action Service (EEAS) will mark the day with an Open Day on 9 May, welcoming the public to explore our mission and values through interactive activities and cultural events.

Around the world, EU Delegations will host events throughout the month of May, bringing European values to life locally through public engagement, diplomacy, and community initiatives.

Follow the link to find out more about Open Day 2026 at the European External Action Service.

The EEAS World Cookbook

Celebrate Europe Day with a taste of the world! Download our free EEAS World Cookbook, featuring 14 delicious recipes from across the globe like Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East & North Africa and the Western Balkans. Try them out - you might just discover your new favourite dish!

Download the EEAS World Cookbook (PDF) and share.