Thousands of people visited the EESC headquarters in Brussels on Saturday 9 May 2026, when the EU’s oldest consultative body opened its doors for the traditional Open Day.

9 May, Europe Day, marks the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the historic speech by French foreign minister Robert Schuman in 1950 which paved the way for European integration. Europe Day is a chance to acknowledge the achievements of the European project and celebrate the community of values that the EU represents and that we, as Europeans, protect and nourish every day.

‘Europe Day is a really important day for taking stock and celebrating the achievements of the European project, including peace, democracy and inclusion,’ Séamus Boland, the EESC President, said. ‘It was a genuine pleasure to host visitors to our open day today and celebrate this spirit of participation.’

‘I am very happy that the EESC could host an open-door and festive celebration for Europe Day,’ added Marija Hanževački, the EESC Vice-President for Communication. ‘Europe Day is a celebration of joy and unity for people of all ages to share European values and build a Europe for all. The Open Day offers a unique opportunity to experience the spirit of engagement first hand, discover the workings of the Committee and learn how complex debates are turned into opinions.’

During the EESC Open Day, visitors were able to step inside the Committee building and find out how it gives a voice to organised civil society across the EU and thus contributes to European democracy. They had the opportunity to meet the people behind the work, explore how EESC opinions are drawn up and experience personally how inclusive dialogue helps to shape Europe’s future and build a stronger Union. (mp)