Open doors at EU institutions
To celebrate Europe Day, the EU institutions open their doors to the public in early May in Brussels and Strasbourg. Local EU offices in Europe and all over the world organise a variety of activities and events for all ages.
Each year thousands of people take part in visits, debates, concerts and other events to mark the day and raise awareness about the EU.
What's happening this year?
Brussels Open Doors: 4 May 2013, 10:00 - 18:00
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Do you know your rights as a European citizen? Take part in the debate on the European Year of Citizens and discover how Parliament works. Come and join in the activities on the Esplanade.
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The Council of the European Union and the European Council open their doors to the Public. Come and see where the Heads of State and Government of the 27 EU countries take decisions.
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Discover the wide-ranging work of the European Commission – Berlaymont building and European Quarter 10.00-18.00 – and take part in public debates throughout Brussels.
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See how the EU represents you across the globe! Meet the European External Action Service and learn about the EU's activities around the world, including civilian missions and military operations.
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Discover the work and activities of the European Economic and Social Committee. Meet our Members to discuss what it means to be a European citizen and enjoy activities for the whole family.
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Visit the Jacques Delors Building to find out about the Committee of the Regions' many activities and experience the multicultural wealth of Europe's regions and cities.
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Come and relax at the European Data Protection Service stand. Chat with us about your privacy rights, protecting your personal information whether applying for a job, using your smart phone or shopping online.
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Where can citizens and organisations get help if they have problems with the EU administration? Visit the European Ombudsman's stand (inside the Parliament) to find out!
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Meet the EU's auditors. Learn how they safeguard the financial interests of the EU citizens and help the EU run better. Visit the European Court of Auditors stand on the European Parliament Esplanade.
Download the full Brussels programme
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If you visit the EU Open Doors in Brussels, don't miss the Brussels Region festival – Fête de l'Iris
/ Irisfeest
Strasbourg Open Doors: 19 May 2013 from 10:00 - 18:00
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Visit the only institution elected by universal suffrage at European level and learn how Parliament works. Take part in the debate on the European Year of Citizens in the presence of MEPs.
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Where can citizens and organisations get help if they have problems with the EU administration? Visit the European Ombudsman's stand (inside the Parliament) to find out!
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Meet the EU's auditors. Learn how they safeguard the financial interests of the EU citizens and help the EU run better. Visit the European Court of Auditors stand in the Winston Churchill building.
Download the full Strasbourg programme 
Find Europe Day activities across Europe
Europe Day activities in:
- Select a country
- Austria
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain - Madrid
- Spain - Barcelona
- Sweden
Europe Day activities around the globe
EU Delegations will organise in cooperation with Member States' embassies in their host countries activities on the theme of Europe in the World. Lectures, competitions, film festivals and other events will demonstrate the best the EU has to offer.
Why a Europe Day?
Europe Day (9 May) celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical 'Schuman declaration'. At a speech in Paris in 1950, the French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.
His vision was to create a European institution that would pool and manage coal and steel production. A treaty creating such a body was signed just under a year later. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.
Video of the 2012 Open Doors day:
Europe Day posters 1996-2013
Every year, the poster that best captures the idea of the EU is selected to represent Europe Day. Browse through the posters below to view the past winners.
