On 8 and 9 May 2026, Europe Day, citizens gathered at the Grand Place in the heart of Brussels for a celebration of European values: peace, democracy, solidarity and unity.
The event brought together citizens, policy-makers, artists, activists and students to reflect on what connects us as Europeans.
Organised by the European Movement International and the City of Brussels, with the support of the European Cultural Foundation, the celebration brought people together at a time when shared European values matter more than ever.
On 8 May, from 20:00 to 23:00, the iconic Grand Place came alive with a live DJ set and a light show in the colours of the EU flag.
On 9 May, from 18:00 to 19:45, a public discussion took place in the Gothic Room inside the City Hall, where participants exchanged with policy-makers and stakeholders.
To help create a shared and welcoming atmosphere, many participants brought EU flags or wore blue in a collective show of European unity and solidarity.
Agenda
May 8 (20:00-23:00)
Live DJ set and lightshow
-DJ set with DJ Todiefor
May 9 - (18:00 - 19:45)
Panel Discussion
“The Keys to a Strong Europe”
18:25 – 18:30
Welcome address by Philippe Close, Mayor of Brussels
18:30 – 18:35
Introduction by the moderator Aurélie Didier, Deputy Director of News and Sports at RTBF
18:35 – 18:55
Remote live interview with Vitali Klitschko – Mayor of Kiev
18.55-19.40
Panel discussion with Guy Verhofstadt and Josep Borrell on 3 key themes
1 – Geopolitics & European Power
2 – Economy & Competitiveness
3 – Democracy & Values
19:40 – 19:45
Concluding Remarks – “The Keys to a Strong Europe”
SPEAKERS
Philippe Close
Mayor of Brussels
Aurélie Didier
Deputy Director of News and Sports at RTBF
Vitali Klitschko
Mayor of Kiev
Guy Verhofstadt
Former Prime Minister of Belgium and President of the European Movement International
Josep Borrell
Former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
