Europe Day 2026 The European Commission welcomed 18,000 visitors to its Brussels headquarters, opening the doors of the iconic Berlaymont building for a day of discovery. Visitors had a chance to go behind the scenes, explore some of the Commission’s most well-known spaces, including the TV studios and the Schuman meeting room, and take part in a wide range of activities. Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General viewOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General viewOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026Thomas de Béthune, on the left, and Teresa RiberaOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General viewOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General viewOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General viewOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General viewOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General viewClose Missed the event? All year round you can visit the interactive Experience Europe exhibition, getting a hands-on look at how the Commission works. Celebrating Europe Day in sports From football to cycling, from motorsport to volleyball, and from basketball to table tennis, athletes across Europe celebrated Europe Day by wearing the EU colours and proudly carrying the European flag onto the field. Thank you to the athletes, clubs, and fans who celebrate Europe through sport, not only on Europe Day, but every single day.Watch more About Europe Day Europe Day traces its origins to 9 May 1950, when the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a speech proposing a new form of cooperation in Europe. Known as the Schuman Declaration, it paved the way for a new era of peace, integration and cooperation across the continent – and is now widely regarded as the birthdate of the European Union. In today’s changing world, this Union must be ready to stand strong. Europe Day is a chance to recognise this and celebrate all that our Union stands for. This special day is also a chance to connect with citizens, welcome visitors to the EU institutions, and showcase the work and priorities of the EU. Related links See how the EU institutions celebrated Europe day About the European CommissionThe Schuman Declaration Robert Schuman: architect of the European integration project
From football to cycling, from motorsport to volleyball, and from basketball to table tennis, athletes across Europe celebrated Europe Day by wearing the EU colours and proudly carrying the European flag onto the field. Thank you to the athletes, clubs, and fans who celebrate Europe through sport, not only on Europe Day, but every single day.Watch more
