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Foreign Affairs & Trade

Europe Day 2026 Celebrated in Australia with Renewed Momentum for EU-Australia Partnership

Delegation of the European Union to Australia

Key Facts:
  • Europe Day on 9 May commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration, celebrating values of freedom, equality and democracy
  • This year's Canberra celebration (held on 11 May) follows recent announcements of EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement, Security and Defence Partnership, and Australia's association with Horizon Europe
  • The celebrations mark strengthening EU-Australia cooperation across trade, security, research and innovation
  • Event to be held at Parliament House, Canberra from 12-2pm on 11 May 2024
  • The EU, comprising 27 Member States, works with international partners including Australia to address shared challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity

Canberra — The European Union Delegation to Australia invites citizens, institutions, and communities across Australia to celebrate Europe Day on 9 May — a day that honours the values  that continue to shape Europe’s future: freedom, equality and democracy. 

Europe Day commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which put forward a simple yet enduring idea: cooperation is stronger than conflict. That vision laid the foundation for what has become the European Union — a place of peace and prosperity where freedom, equality, democracy, and human dignity are protected and promoted. 

This year’s celebration in Canberra, observed on 11 May, carries particular significance following the recent visit of Ursula von der Leyen to Australia. Together with Anthony Albanese, President von der Leyen announced three landmark initiatives that mark a new chapter in the EU–Australia relationship: the conclusion of the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, the establishment of a Security and Defence Partnership, and Australia’s intention to associate with Horizon Europe. 

These developments demonstrate how far the partnership between the European Union and Australia has evolved — and how much further it can grow through closer cooperation in trade, security, research, and innovation. 

Gabriele Visentin, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Australia, said: 

“Celebrating Europe Day not only honours our past, but reaffirms our commitment to the future — a future where global partnerships deliver for everyday people based on fairness and mutual respect. 

“This year, here in Australia, Europe Day celebrates not just Europe’s decision to choose freedom and equality, but also the deepening of the EU–Australia relationship as we move closer together across the three pillars of trade, security, and innovation. As we look ahead, let us continue to stand side by side as partners, allies, and friends.” 

 

For media who wish to attend the celebration in Canberra to report on the activity please contact Public Diplomacy Advisor Victoria Kelly-Clark.  

 

 

 

Event Details: 
Date: May 11 (due to 9 May falling on a Saturday) 
Time: 12-2pm 
Location: Parliament House, Canberra 

Media Contact: 
Dr. Victoria Kelly-Clark 
Public Diplomacy, Press and Information Advisor  
Delegation of the European Union to Australia 
[email protected] 
0429024887  


About us:

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 Member States that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity both within Europe and globally. The EU works closely with international partners, including Australia, to address shared challenges and advance mutual interests. 


Contact details:

Dr. Victoria Kelly-Clark 
Public Diplomacy, Press and Information Advisor  
Delegation of the European Union to Australia 
[email protected] 
0429024887