Europe Day 2026
Europe Day 2026
What is Europe Day?
Every year on 9 May, Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration. In a speech given in Paris in 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe that would make war between European nations unthinkable.
He proposed the creation of a European institution to jointly manage coal and steel production. Less than a year later, a treaty establishing such an organisation was signed. Schuman’s proposal is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.
Organisers
Europe Day celebrations are organised by the European Commission Representation in Estonia, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government Office, the State Shared Service Centre, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Estonia, the Ministry of Culture, the Integration Foundation, the embassies and cultural representations of European countries, and other partners.
In smaller Estonian towns, Europe Day events are organised by Europe Direct centres in cooperation with local city and municipal governments. Schools, public institutions and community organisations across Estonia also organise activities during Europe Week.