Europe Day 2026 in San Francisco: Celebrating the EU-U.S. Partnership

To mark Europe Day 2026, the European Union Office in San Francisco and representatives of EU Member States across the Bay Area came together for a series of events celebrating European unity, shared democratic values, and the enduring transatlantic partnership.

The celebrations began with a flag-raising ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, where the European Union flag was raised alongside the participation of city representatives, EU Member States, and members of the diplomatic community. The EU Office also hosted a Europe Day reception at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's Bowes Center for Performing Arts under the theme "The EU and the U.S. Building Bridges."

Together, these events brought together government representatives, diplomats, business leaders, researchers, cultural institutions, and members of the European community in the Bay Area to reaffirm the strength of EU-U.S. cooperation across innovation, research, technology, business, culture, and people-to-people ties.

Europe Day, celebrated annually on 9 May, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, which laid the foundations for today's European Union and its project of peace, prosperity, and cooperation. In San Francisco, the occasion was marked through a series of events highlighting the close relationship between Europe and the United States and the vibrant European presence in the Bay Area.

The celebrations began with a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall marking the raising of the European Union flag. The event featured remarks from Penny Coulter, Chief of Protocol for the City and County of San Francisco, and Gerard de Graaf, Head of the EU Office in San Francisco. Consuls General of EU Member States represented in San Francisco, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests attended the ceremony, which also included the playing of the European anthem.

During the ceremony, Penny Coulter presented Gerard de Graaf with an official proclamation issued on behalf of Mayor Daniel Lurie and the City and County of San Francisco in recognition of Europe Day and the longstanding friendship between San Francisco and Europe. The proclamation highlighted San Francisco's enduring tradition of openness, diversity, international engagement, and respect for democratic values, while expressing appreciation for the contributions of the European community to the city's cultural, economic, and civic life. It also served as an opportunity to extend sincere thanks to the European Union and its Member States for their continued engagement in San Francisco and to reaffirm the city's commitment to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead.

The EU Office also hosted a Europe Day reception at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music's Bowes Center for Performing Arts. The event welcomed more than 100 guests from across the transatlantic ecosystem, including diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, researchers, cultural partners, and members of the European community.

The programme featured remarks by Gerard de Graaf, Mayor Daniel Lurie of San Francisco, and David Stull, President of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Speakers highlighted the importance of trusted partnerships, openness, and international cooperation in addressing common challenges and advancing shared prosperity.

In his remarks, Gerard de Graaf underscored the strength of EU-U.S. cooperation and pointed to San Francisco as a leading example of transatlantic collaboration across innovation, research, technology, business, and culture. The evening also featured performances of the European anthem, Ode to Joy, and the United States national anthem by students of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Throughout the reception, guests enjoyed live jazz performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for dialogue and networking.

Across both events, participants reaffirmed the values that continue to underpin the transatlantic partnership, including democracy, openness, the rule of law, innovation, and international cooperation. Europe Day in San Francisco served as a reminder of the enduring connections between Europe and the United States and the importance of continued engagement across communities, institutions, and sectors.

European Union, 2026

KEY INFO

Date: 8-12 May 2026
Venues: San Francisco City Hall and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music - Bowes Center for Performing Arts
Theme: The EU and the U.S. Building Bridges
Participants: 100+ representatives from government, diplomacy, academia, business, culture, and the European community in the Bay Area

SPEAKERS

Gerard de Graaf, Head of the EU Office in San Francisco and Senior EU Envoy for Digital
Gerard de Graaf delivered remarks during the flag-raising ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, reflecting on the significance of Europe Day and the values that underpin the European Union, including peace, democracy, solidarity, and cooperation. He highlighted the strength of the transatlantic relationship and the close ties between Europe and the Bay Area across innovation, research, business, and people-to-people exchanges. He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Europe and the United States in addressing shared opportunities and global challenges.

Penny Coulter, Chief of Protocol for the City and County of San Francisco
Representing the Office of Mayor Daniel Lurie, Penny Coulter delivered remarks during the Europe Day flag-raising ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. She highlighted San Francisco's longstanding commitment to openness, international cooperation, and cultural diversity, as well as the city's strong ties with Europe and the European community in the Bay Area. During the ceremony, she presented Gerard de Graaf with an official proclamation issued by Mayor Lurie recognizing Europe Day and celebrating the enduring friendship and partnership between San Francisco and Europe.

Daniel Lurie, 46th Mayor of San Francisco.
Mayor Lurie highlighted the importance of strong international partnerships and the enduring relationship between San Francisco and Europe. He emphasized the city's role as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and culture, and underscored the value of collaboration across borders to address shared opportunities and challenges. He also noted the significant contribution of the European community to the Bay Area's economic and civic life and reaffirmed San Francisco's commitment to openness, innovation, and international engagement.

David Stull, President of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music
David welcomed participants to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and reflected on the role of arts and culture in strengthening international understanding and collaboration. He highlighted the Conservatory's commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and global engagement, as well as the importance of cultural institutions in bringing people together across borders. He also emphasized the longstanding ties between Europe and the United States in music, education, and the performing arts.

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