On the 9th May 1950, what is now known as the European Union, was first proposed. In Paris, the French Foreign Minister of the time, Robert Schuman, put forward the idea for France, Germany and other European countries to work together to put their coal and steel production  as a  foundation of a possible European federation. This proposal helped to ensure that there has been peace and prosperity across Europe for over 50 years. And so the 9th May is celebrated as the birthday of the European Union and is called  Europe Day.

Nowadays, Europe Day celebrates the diversity of cultures within Europe and gives the people of Europe the opportunity to come closer together and to learn about the European Union.

Many countries within the EU celebrate the 9th May by holding festivities that promote the culture of their own country and of other EU countries. These festivities include quizzes, games, open days, children singing songs in other European languages and parades.

Why not join in the festivities yourself by learning a European language today? Learn  to speak Spanish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek or Romanian! Or, give a language gift and get to know your fellow Europeans!

Learn a European language today >>

Find out more about the Declaration of the 9th May>>

How do you celebrate Europe Day in your country? Let us know by sending your comments below!

On the 9 May 1950, what is now known as the European Union, was first proposed. In Paris, the French Foreign Minister of the time, Robert Schuman, put forward the idea for France, Germany and other European countries to work together to put their coal and steel production  as a  foundation of a possible European federation. This proposal helped to ensure that there has been peace and prosperity across Europe for over 50 years. And so the  9th May is celebrated as the birthday of the European Union and is called  Europe Day.

Nowadays, Europe Day celebrates the diversity of cultures within Europe and gives the people of Europe the opportunity to come closer together and to learn about the European Union.

Many countries within the EU celebrate the 9th May by holding festivities that promote the culture of their own country and of other EU countries. These festivities include quizzes, games, open days, children singing songs in other European languages and parades.

Why not join in the festivities yourself by learning a European language today? Learn  to speak Spanish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek or Romanian! Or, give a language gift and get to know your fellow Europeans!

Learn  a European  language today >>

Find out more about the Declaration of 9 May 2011>>

How do you celebrate Europe Day in your country?

©Gunnar Seijbold / Regeringskansliet

On 1 July 2009, Sweden takes over the presidency of the European Union and its first request is that the governments of the EU tackle climate change head on. However, with the current economic climate, this will be quite a challenge.

If you’ll be attending many of the planned events in Sweden or following the proceedings, you needn’t worry about the language.   According to visitsweden.com, you can leave your phrase book at home as most Swedes speak English.   However, Swedish is the national language and there are a number of   minority languages: Sami (Lapp), Finnish, Meänkieli (Tornedalen Finnish), Yiddish and Romani Chib (a Gypsy language).

However, if you want to buck the trend and learn Swedish, choose from our bestselling Swedish language courses.

Find out more or buy a Swedish language course [UK >>
Find out more or buy a Swedish language course [USA >>

Find out more about the EU Presidency in Sweden>>
Find out more about Sweden>>

Get the Swedish language advantage.   Claim your competitive advantage.

On the 9th May 1950, what is now known as the European Union, was first proposed. In Paris, the French Foreign Minister of the time, Robert Schuman, put forward the idea for France, Germany and other European countries to work together to put their coal and steel production  as a  foundation of a possible European federation. This proposal helped to ensure that there has been peace and prosperity across Europe for over 50 years. And so the  9th May  is celebrated as the birthday of the European Union and is called  Europe Day.

Nowadays, Europe Day celebrates the diversity of cultures within Europe and gives the people of Europe the opportunity to come closer together and to learn about the European Union.

Many countries within the EU celebrate the 9th May by holding festivities that promote the culture of their own country and of other EU countries. These festivities include quizzes, games, open days, children singing songs in other European languages and parades.

Why not join in the festivities yourself by learning a European language today? Learn  to speak Spanish, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek or Romanian! Or give a language gift and get to know your fellow Europeans!

Learn  a European  language today >>

Find out more about the Declaration of 9 May 2009>>

How do you celebrate Europe Day?