Europe Day 2026
Coming from abroad, you might not be familiar with the European continent and the European Union. Every year on 9 May, the Municipality of The Hague shines a spotlight on Europe Day. This is your chance to learn more about Europe!
What is Europe Day?
On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a historic speech and plan for deeper cooperation in Europe. Known as the Schuman Declaration, it paved the way for a new era of peace, democracy, integration and cooperation throughout Europe – laying the foundations for the European Union as we know it today.
40 years of celebrations
This year, Europe Day also marks a special celebration. Not only is it 40 years ago since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, but the European Union is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first official Europe Day celebrations and public use of the EU flag and anthem.
Europe Day in The Hague
Europe Day offers you the chance to discover what the EU means for The Hague via several activities organised throughout our city. Please find the full programme below:
Friday, 8 May
Visit inspiring start-ups and see how the EU helps our city make a positive impact
- 10:00 until 16:00 - Open house at start-up hub De Titaan. This is an impact innovation hub and experience center consisting of office spaces, meetings rooms, event spaces, and maker spaces. They bring together impact startups, students, industry, governments and investors with a common goal: driving positive change and innovation to fix the future.
- 11:30 and 14:30 - Guided tours at Yespers (registration required). Yespers is a food and beverage company based in The Hague, specializing in healthy and unique breakfast and snack products. They focus on creating products that are not only delicious but also mindful of their sustainability and nutritional value. To register please send an e-mail to: europa@yespers.com
- 10:00 and 13:00 - Guided tours at The New Farm & De Beatrijs (registration required). The New Farm is a vibrant breeding ground where more than 30 Hague-based manufacturing companies and circular entrepreneurs are working on the future economy of The Hague and Europe. De Beatrijs is a brand-new collective building, an inspiring place for small (artisanal) makers, creatives, and enterprising artists. Please register beforehand via the dedicated page The New Farm & De Beatrijs.
Ask your questions about Europe to Lexi
10:00 until 16:00 - Visit the Centrale Bibliotheek and ask Lexi, a real size hologram any question you may have about Europe. Lexi speaks both Dutch and English :)
Image
Europe themed activities in Centrum and Segbroek
- Several Europe-themed activities are taking place in community centre De Mussen in city district Centrum and WijkZ in city district Segbroek.
- 13:00 to 16:00 - Discover European flavours, music and stories at the countries market at community centre 'De Mussen'.
Saturday, 9 May
Raising of the European flag
09:00 - Ceremony at the Hofvijver, where the European flag will be raised together with alderman Verschuure, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the ambassadors of Cyprus and Ireland and young citizens of The Hague.
Image
Mario Kart racing at Europa Experience
- 10:00 to 17:00 - Play Mario Kart racing at the new Europa Experience Centre, and learn more about the European Union and The Hague. At this information centre located on the corner of Grote Marktstraat and Raamstraat in The Hague, you can discover what the European Union does and what it means for our daily lives.
Space Buzz in Scheveningen
- 11:00 to 19:00 - Visit The Spacebuzz, a real rocket standing in front of the Kurhaus in Scheveningen! Inside the rocket is an exhibition about European space travel, technology, and climate. Our tip: if you are not fully able to follow Dutch yet, ask the crew of the Spacebuzz to play the VR-film in English.
Please visit the website of The Hague municipality for further information.