- Published: 09.05.2026.
Europe Day 2026 in Zagreb: A confirmation of European unity, solidarity, shared values
This year’s Europe Day celebration placed particular emphasis on the role of sport as a means of connecting people and strengthening social cohesion, while also promoting active citizenship and intergenerational solidarity.
The programme opened with a musical performance by a string quartet, followed by the national anthem of the Republic of Croatia and the anthem of the European Union. Musical performances by Sanja Doležal and Vladimir Kočiš Zec followed, while the evening concluded with a concert by Hiljson Mandela, further contributing to the atmosphere of collective celebration in the heart of the city.
Throughout the morning, citizens had the opportunity to take part in sports activities organised at specially designated stations. The programme included gymnastics and rugby, basketball and football, as well as additional activities such as table football and educational sports games for children and young people. Activities promoting healthy lifestyles and the inclusion of all generations were also featured.
Representatives of the organisers and partners delivered brief welcome addresses, highlighting the importance of European unity, the preservation of shared values and solidarity, as well as active participation in the implementation of European policies. Messages emphasising the importance of unity within the European Union were conveyed by Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia Zrinka Ujević, Mayor of Zagreb Tomislav Tomašević, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, Minister of Tourism and Sport Tonči Glavina, and Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Croatia Maja Ljubić Kutnjak.
The programme concluded with the symbolic unfurling of a large European Union flag accompanied by the song Insieme 1992 by renowned performer Toto Cutugno, further underscoring the idea of unity and belonging to the European community.
The Europe Day celebration in Zagreb was organised by the European Commission Representation in Croatia, the European Parliament Office in Croatia, the City of Zagreb and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and the embassies of European Union Member States in Croatia.
Alongside the central Europe Day celebration, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs also continued its tradition this year of offering free film screenings to the citizens and visitors of Zagreb, in cooperation with the Cultural Club and the Austrian Cultural Forum Zagreb. The screenings were held at the Metropolis Cinema in the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The European Film Review took place from 5 to 9 May 2026 as part of the programme Europe at the Cinema, with free admission for all visitors to screenings of all five films. Audiences had the opportunity to watch a selection of award-winning and festival-acclaimed recent European films spanning various genres, from drama and thriller to biographical and romantic stories.
Europe Day is celebrated on 9 May in commemoration of the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European project of peace and cooperation. This year’s celebration in Zagreb once again highlighted the importance of European values and the active participation of citizens in building a shared European future and a strong, connected Europe.