Europe DayCelebrating European integration every 9 May Europe Day 2025 At the European Commission, we opened up our doors on 10 May this year, welcoming more than 17 000 people to our headquarters in the Berlaymont building in Brussels. This event offered a glimpse behind the scenes and invited people to take part in a variety of different activities. This included educational games, creative challenges, a series of thematic stands explaining the work of the Commission, and an entertainment programme featuring live performances. Visitors also had the chance to meet Europa, our mascot for the 2025 EXPO in Osaka, who was greeting people around the Commission’s buildings. They could also meet our Europe Direct teams and explore the interactive Experience Europe exhibition. General views of the Open Door Days 2025 at the European CommissionGeneral views of the Open Door Days 2025 at the European CommissionOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025Hadja Lahbib, on the right, and Thomas de BethuneOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025View of visitors at a standOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025View of visitors at a standOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025View of visitorsOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025View of participants holding flagsOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025View of visitors in the Schuman RoomOpen Doors Day at the European Institutions 2025View of visitors standing in lineClose About Europe Day Europe Day can trace its roots back to 9 May 1950. That was when then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a historic speech that would ultimately lead to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. His speech on that day, known as the Schuman Declaration, is now widely regarded as the birthdate of the European Union. In it he presented a plan for deeper cooperation in Europe. This plan was based on the core principles of peace and solidarity and would be achieved by integrating the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. And so it was that Europe Day was born and with it an annual celebration which the EU institutions mark by opening up their doors to visitors. Related links See how the EU institutions celebrate Europe day The Schuman Declaration About the European CommissionRobert Schuman: architect of the European integration project
