Everything you need to know about celebrating Europe Day in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of only few European countries to actually celebrate Europe Day as a public holiday, with 2019 marking the first time the occasion was marked with a day off work for everyone. Before that, the European Union set it as a public holiday for all their employees of the various EU institutions, but not for the individual countries since that is out of their power.

Considering the global uncertainty of recent months, Europe Day seems the perfect opportunity to reaffirm our attachment to peace and to show unity and solidarity on the continent.

So let's start off with a very brief history of why we celebrate Europe Day

On 9 May 1950, Luxembourg-born Robert Schuman, then-French foreign minister, presented the Schuman declaration, a plan he developed together with Jean Monnet. The idea behind the plan was to unite the German and French coal and steel productions under one authority and therefore keeping peace.

Europe Day quiz - test your knowledge of the union!

The cooperation was a success and more European countries were encouraged to join, with Luxembourg among the firsts.

The European Coal and Steel Community was formally established in 1951 by signing the Treaty of Paris, creating the foundations of the European Union we know today.

In case you want to know more about Robert Schuman and the beginnings of the EU, I recommend clicking here.

Where is it celebrated and how?

In the majority of European countries, Europe Day is acknowledged but most often not celebrated in a special manner.

Only a handful of countries actually celebrate Europe Day as a national holiday and it was only in 2019 that it was declared a public holiday in Luxembourg.

Next to the Grand Duchy, it is also a public holiday in Kosovo. While the events can differ from year to year, there are annual activities that anyone can participate in. They range from sports tournaments, to fairs, to concerts and are organized all over the country. It is interesting to note that the people and public servants of Kosovo celebrate this day even though they have not yet secured a membership in the EU.

In Romania, Europe Day coincides with their own national holiday, the State Independence Day. Germany celebrates Europe Day as a 'flag day', where the flags are ordered to be shown by federal decree.

In Croatia and Lithuania, Europe Day is legally-recognised but no public holiday.

And last but not least, the EU institutions where the celebration first started: every year the institutions open their doors in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg to the people, allowing them to visit the places where lawmakers and politicians are making their decisions.

European events to keep in mind this weekend

On Friday, 9 May, Europa Experience Luxembourg will celebrate Europe Day from 10 am to 6 pm, marking the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Held at the European Parliament’s visitors' centre on 17 Av. John F. Kennedy, the event offers a chance to explore EU languages, gain insights into the union's agenda, discover career opportunities, and engage with the theme of unity in diversity. Visitors can also test their knowledge with the EU quiz. More information is available here.

Also on Friday, from 11am to 2pm, Luxembourg City will host a special event at Place Guillaume II, Ville Haute, offering visitors a chance to explore the historic sites that shaped Europe’s foundation. Attendees can discover landmarks like Luxembourg City Hall, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Robert Schuman Memorial, with all visits taking place from the outside.

Europe Day 2025 will take place in Echternach this year, following successful editions in Esch-sur-Alzette and Luxembourg City. The event, set for Saturday, 10 May, from 12 to 6pm, will feature a European village with numerous stands, offering a variety of cultural and musical performances, alongside culinary delights. The celebrations will also include the presence of H.R.H. the Grand Duke and other prominent figures. With its cross-border connection to Germany and Trier, the event promises to highlight Europe's diversity and foster a sense of community.

Read also: 8–11 May: 7 things to do in and around Luxembourg this weekend