It’s that time of the year again when European institutions open their doors to celebrate the Europe Day. This time, the event in Brussels takes place on Saturday, 9 May with plenty of activities and animations in the European Parliament and other institutions in the European Quarter!
The annual celebration in May enables thousands of people to visit the European institutions, discover how decisions are made in the heart of the EU capital and how Europe really affects the daily lives of the citizens. Europe Day celebrates Europe’s achievements and unity, and marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration on 9 May 1950. Apart from the events in Brussels and Strasbourg, a wide range of online and on-site activities will be organised across the EU Member States.
Join Europe Day event in the European Parliament in Brussels
During the whole day, you have a unique opportunity to discover the European Parliament in Brussels, the heart of European democracy and the world’s most multilingual parliament. This is a chance to join many engaging events, talks, games, educational activities, live music and fun on-site programming from 10:00 until 18:00. Take note, the last entrance is at 17:30.
One of the highlights every year is a chance to see the Hemicycle – the place where political debates take place and important decisions are being made. Don’t miss to join official opening ceremony from 11:00-12:00 with a video message from President Roberta Metsola, welcome speech by Vice-President Sophie Wilmès, and live music.
After that, visitors can still discover the Hemicycle by participating in Hemicycle Talks (from 12:00-17.30) and learn everything about the European Parliament. The Talks sessions last 20 mins and are offered in EN / FR / NL / DE languages.
You are invited to follow the designated Discovery Circuit, a self-guided route with 19 interactive stops – info stands and animations, each focusing on different topics and activities. Test your knowledge about the EU, learn about disinformation, how the EU fights it and what you can do about it, join a cybersecurity team game or discover the impact of the European Union in your region and in your daily life.
Whether you’re curious to learn and understand more, are looking for a fun and engaging day out with your family or friends, Europe Day awaits you with exciting activities.
Part of the circuit also shows how Multilingualism works in practice in the European Parliament. The Language Matters interactive space will take you to the world of Parliament’s translators and interpreters – enter one of the translation booths, choose the languages you want to translate to/from and discover how it really looks to work as an interpreter in the EP.
If you ever wondered how the European Parliament works and impacts your daily life, you can get immersed in the world of decision making, learn about different policies, ask questions to the experts and learn how political groups in the European Parliament work by talking with their representatives directly. You can also see the EU long-term budget exhibition and selected artworks from the European Parliament’s Contemporary Art Collection.
For the youngest ones, there will be many activities: kids’ corner, face painting, laser show, live music and other animations. This event is a wonderful opportunity to spend a fun and educational day in the home of European democracy.
The activities on Saturday, 9 May, start already at 10:00 with the last entrance at 17:30. See a detailed programme of the Europe Day celebrations here.
Practical Information:
Location: ASP Building, Esplanade Solidarność 1980, 1047 Brussels.
- Walking, cycling or public transport is encouraged.
- The cafeteria and sandwich bar are open all day.
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Glass bottles are not allowed
