The capital of Europe is joining several Member States in the celebrations of 'Europe Day'. Europhiles can expect a jam-packed programme on 9 and 10 May, with activities ranging from DJ sets to free visits to European institutions.
The European Union's 'Europe Day' celebrates the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Proposed by then-Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, the 1950 declaration led to the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, which is considered the foundation of the EU.
This year's 9 May marks the 75th anniversary of the declaration. To celebrate the occasion, a European Market will be held on 9 and 10 May at the tripoint border between Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, also known as the Vaalserberg. Visitors can expect food tastings, quizzes, speeches and music at the market.
Grand Place. Credit: Belga/Didier Jouret
Closer to home, the City of Brussels and the European Movement International invite citizens to gather at Grand Place on 9 May to celebrate the European values of peace, democracy, solidarity and unity.
The event will kick off at 17:30, with a public panel discussion between former Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt, and City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS) in the courtyard of City Hall.
From 19:00 until 23:30, DJ Martin Vachiery and DJ Nicki Sanchez will take the stage at the iconic Grand Place for a live set accompanied by a light show. Citizens are encouraged to wear blue or bring an EU flag.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The following day, on 10 May, the European institutions will extend the Europe Day celebrations with free online and in-person activities.
At the European Commission, citizens will be given an insight into the behind-the-scenes work carried out at the iconic Berlaymont building. While the day is set to be informative, it will also feature a cultural programme including food tastings and live performances by artists from several Member States.
Meanwhile, at the Council of the European Union, visitors can take a journey across the EU through interactive games and informative exhibits. The Council will also host cultural performances, guided tours, and special activities for children.
Similarly, the European Parliament will join the festivities with exhibitions, speakers, live music, face painting and balloon artists.
The European Parliament. Credit: Alexis Haulot/ European Union 2025/EP
The behind-the-scenes of the EU operations can be further explored on Saturday in Brussels at the European External Action Service (EEAS), European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the European Committee of the Regions.
In addition to the informational activities, the Saturday programme features several opportunities for entertainment, including a wheel-of-fortune at the EESC.
For those who want to get in the Europe Day spirit on their way to the events, the EU has put together a playlist with tunes from artists from EU countries.
Most activities at the different European institutions will take place from 10:00 to 18:00 on 10 May. The full Europe Day schedule can be found online.
