Europe Day, celebrated annually on May 9, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, which laid the foundation for the European Union. 2025 marks a significant milestone as the 75th anniversary, with a range of events planned across Europe and globally to celebrate unity and peace.
By Creatives Unite Newsroom"Europeans often feel ‘Europe’ is far away from their daily lives. We need more common symbols, they say. One of them could be Europe Day. On May 9 we celebrate all the good things our continent brought us."
The European Cultural Foundation is inviting individuals to share how they celebrate the day of Europe (9th of May) encouraging the participation through at the #MyEuropeDayOff campaign to foster a sense of community and inclusivity.
On this day (9th of May 1950) the Schuman Declaration, proposed pooling coal and steel production among European nations to create a common market, reducing the likelihood of war and fostering economic ties.
This vision is considered the beginning of the European Union, and Europe Day has been observed since 1985 to commemorate this historic step. In 2025, the 75th anniversary underscores the EU's achievements and its ongoing commitment to a united Europe, especially in times of global uncertainty, where it remains an anchor of stability and opportunity for its citizens.
"For me, Europe Day is more than a celebration of unity – it’s a reminder of the power culture holds to bring us closer, break down barriers, and create shared experiences". This is an excerpt from a letter Milica Popovic from Montenegro sent to the European Cultural Foundation to support a campaign for a day off work to celebrate European Unity.
The celebrations include visiting EU institutions in Strasbourg and in Brussels, Luxembourg, Echternach, and Frankfurt on May 10, offering educational and entertaining activities. All events are free, with no registration required. In Osaka, Japan, Europe Day will be highlighted at the World Expo 2025 with a special program showcasing European culture.
"I imagine Europe Day to be a day of togetherness. Not only with strangers in public festivities, even though my friends know I’d welcome that too. I’d like this day in the year to be the one that allows us to spend time with friends and family across our continent. Catching up with those one met while travelling or working in another country" writes Friso Wiersum for the #MyEuropeDayOff campaign.
"Europe Day also reminds us about all the things Europe needs improving on. For example, Europe Day should be a public holiday" says the ECF's call. Contributions can be shared via text (up to 200 words), audio/video (up to 1 minute), or one illustration/photo, through email.
Want to find out where are your closest Europe Day events? Check out the official Europe Day 2025 page, the European Commission's webpage and the ECF's EuropeDay website.
