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 view of visitors touring the exterior stands 
Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General view of visitors at a stand 
Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026Thomas de Bethune, 3rd, and Tesera Ribera, 4th (from left to right), cutting the ribbon 
Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026General view of visitors in the studios of the European Commission 
Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026Europa, the official mascot of the EU 
Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026View of dancers performing 
Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026View of a chess game featuring an AI-powered robot 
Open Doors Day at the European Institutions 2026View of participants holding flags
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.
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.