Europe Day 2026 | European Commission

Join us on Saturday 9 May

Now is Europe’s moment – and this Europe Day is your chance to go behind the scenes, find out how the Commission works, and see inside one of its most iconic buildings: the Berlaymont.

Bring your family and friends and get ready to enjoy games, creative challenges, and a special art trail. You can also explore some of the Commission’s most famous spaces, including our TV studios and the Schuman meeting room!

Practical information
Doors open at 10:00
Entry is free of charge / no need to register
Activities are open to all ages
Address
Berlaymont building
Rue de la Loi 200 / Wetstraat 200
1000 Bruxelles / Brussel
Directions

Plan your visit

Europe Day at the Commission will be celebrated in three places: the Berlaymont headquarters, the surrounding outdoor space, and the Experience Europe exhibition centre on Rue Archimède.

Visiting the Berlaymont
Step inside the heart of the European Commission and embark on a fun and interactive journey of discovery.
Open: 10:00 - 18:00 (last entry: 17:30) 
Cafeteria: 10:00 - 17:00
Explore the route >
Entertainment
Enjoy live performances by EU artists, meet our mascot, Europa, and savour some tasty European treats. Located on the Esplanade just outside the Berlaymont.
Opening ceremony: 10:00 -10:30 
Last performance at 17:30
Full programme >
Experience Europe exhibition
Check out this free interactive exhibition just a few minutes’ walk from the Berlaymont.
Open: 10:00 - 18:00
Rue Archimède 1 / Archimedesstraat 1
More on Experience Europe >

Your journey

Use the interactive floor plan to discover your journey and some of the stands and activities on offer.

To visit the TV studios, you will simply register on site, please bring a valid ID (not needed for children).

Entertainment

We have activities for everyone, big or small, young or old. Enjoy live performances by artists from across the EU, meet our mascot Europa, and savour some tasty European treats. 

09:00 – 09:20
Lauraly's Dance Squad (Dance | Belgium)
09:30 – 09:50
BarBurrico (Music | Portugal)
10:00 – 10:30
Opening ceremony, including:
- Alkuone (Performing act | Belgium/EU)
- Animopera (interpreting the ODE TO JOY)
10:40 – 11:00
Cercle Celtique Triskell (Music | Belgium/EU)
11:10 – 11:30
Animopera (Dance | France)
11:40 – 12:00
BarBurrico (Music | Portugal)
12:10 – 12:30
Alkuone (Performing act |Belgium/EU)
13:00 – 13:20
Peña Al Andalus (Dance | Spain)
14:00 – 14:20
A Contrabanda (Music | Spain)
14:30 – 14:50
Peña Al Andalus (Dance | Spain)
15:00 – 15:20
Adriana Babin (Music | Moldova)
15:30 – 15:40
PasaTempo Rebetiko Group (Music | Greece)
16:00 – 16:20
AKODOMA (Dance | Slovakia)
16:30 – 16:50
Vladyslav Demchenko & Lana Herasymenko (Music | Ukraine)
17:00 – 17:20
Bellowbow (Music | Scandinavia)
17:30 – 17:50
PasaTempo Rebetiko Group (Music | Greece)

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the Berlaymont?

The Berlaymont is the home and headquarters of the European Commission. One of Brussels’ most iconic buildings, you’ll find it at Rue de la Loi 200 / Wetstraat 200. The closest public transport stop is 'Schuman' which can be reached by metro, bus and train ('Berlaymont' exit).

Will there be food and drinks?

Yes, the Berlaymont cafeteria is open from 10:00 to 17:00. You can also join us on the Esplanade (the outdoor area just outside the Berlaymont) to taste some of the finest farm products and flavours from across the EU.

What happens if it rains?

Much of the route is inside the Berlaymont, with tents on the Esplanade providing cover in case of rain. Please don't bring pointed tip or large umbrellas.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not allowed, but service dogs are welcome.

Which items are not allowed?

To help make Europe Day safe and enjoyable for everyone, please note that the following items are not allowed inside the Commission’s buildings:

glass or glass objects (please only bring drinks in plastic bottles)
bags larger than 40 x 30 x 20 cm or that are hard-sided
cans (including aerosols), glass bottles, boxed liquids, and metal or other insulated containers, such as reusable water bottles
nitrous oxide and any associated equipment (balloons, CO₂ dispensers, cream dispensers)
alcohol
explosive and flammable substances
weapons of any kind, including mace, pepper spray, knives, sharp objects, bats, clubs, and tasers
drugs, toxic and narcotic drugs
drones
pointed tip or large umbrellas
noisemakers, such as air horns, bells, or whistles
laptops and tablets, any kind of recording device, besides a personal mobile phone
prams and golf clubs
bicycles, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades
any items which could be used as a weapon, or which may cause danger, offence or disruption to any other person.

Do you have questions about the EU?

The Europe Direct team is here to help. You can contact them at 00 800 6789 10 11, leave a message, or chat online from anywhere in the world.

Data protection policy

Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event. These may be used for communication activities in relation to the EU Open Day. For more information, please see the privacy statement [PDF].

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.

Can't wait for Europe Day?
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Europe Day