Europe Day 2026: Celebrating Unity, Culture and Cooperation

Europe Day

On 9 May, Europeans across the continent celebrated Europe Day, marking the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the historic proposal that laid the foundations for today's European Union and paved the way for an era of peace, democracy and cooperation in Europe.

This year's celebrations also marked two important anniversaries: 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, and 40 years since the first official Europe Day celebrations.

Celebrations in London

To celebrate the occasion, the EU Delegation to the UK hosted a series of events in London on 5 May, bringing together more than 1,200 guests from across the diplomatic, political, cultural and civil society communities.

The day began with a diplomatic reception opened by EU Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano alongside UK Ministers Nick Thomas-Symonds and Stephen Doughty.

In his remarks, Ambassador Serrano highlighted the importance of the EU-UK partnership in addressing shared economic, security and global challenges. He welcomed the progress made since the first EU-UK summit after Brexit, including cooperation on education, through the UK's rejoining of Erasmus+ in 2027, foreign affairs and defence, and expressed hope for further practical steps to strengthen ties between both sides.

UK ministers also emphasised the close relationship between the EU and the UK, with Nick Thomas-Symonds describing the EU and the UK as "neighbours by geography and partners by choice."

Guests were surprised by a flash mob performance of "Ode to Joy" and "God Save the King" by the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, followed by a networking reception.

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Visit Europe in One Day

Celebrations continued throughout the afternoon with "Visit Europe in One Day", a vibrant showcase of Europe's diversity. Organised together with EU Member States, the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK (EPLO UK) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the event invited visitors to explore Europe through cultural activities, performances and interactive experiences using a symbolic "passport".

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The programme also featured the exhibition "What is Europe to you?" by artist and curator Lisa Borgiani, where guests could become part of the exhibition by sitting for a portrait and sharing personal reflections on what Europe means to them.

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Europe Day Run

On 9 May, diplomats from the EU Delegation and EU Member States came together as Team Europe in Hyde Park for a Europe Day run. The event was the occasion to mark the UK's return to Erasmus+, which has an important sport dimension, connecting grassroots sports organisations across Europe.

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Europe Month

Europe Day celebrations continue across the UK during the whole month of May. Find activities near you: https://europemonth2026.co.uk/