The European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside numerous local partners and citizens will mark Europe Day (9 May) and 30 years of the EU’s presence in the country with a varied programme of cultural and educational events throughout May 2026.
“Our theme this year, ‘Our Future, Our Europe,’ reflects a simple truth: Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the heart of Europe, and its future is in the European Union. This year, we also celebrate 30 years of the EU’s presence here. We will not just look back at what we have achieved together, but also look forward to a shared future where the energy and talent of BiH citizens continue to shape the Europe of tomorrow. Our programme of activities in honour of Europe Day particularly focuses on young people. The peace and prosperity of the European Union is a home we are building together, for and with future generations,” said Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The European Union in BiH has renewed its partnership with Garden of Youth, offering two free open-air concerts in Sarajevo (8 May) and Banja Luka (9 May).
The concert in Sarajevo will start at 19:00 on 8 May at the square in front of the BiH Parliament. The performers include Claptone – an internationally acclaimed DJ known for his signature golden mask and distinctive blend of house, deep house and tech house which made him one of the most recognisable names in global electronic music. He will be joined by regional and local stars – After Affair and Lubnya. The concert in Banja Luka, on the rooftop of Dom omladine, starts at 17:00 and will continue into the early hours. The line-up includes the renowned DJ and producer Guy Mantzur known for this distinctive blend of hypnotic melodies, melodic techno and progressive house alongside a number of regional and local artists including Coeus, Nebs Jack, Mladen Tomić, Ivan Z and Jan Frost.
Ambassador Luigi Soreca and EU Ambassadors and Heads of Mission to BiH will also travel to Banja Luka, Cazin and Bihać from 9-11 May. During the visit, they will have the opportunity to discuss the impact of EU assistance for local communities, participate in the Night of Fortresses event at Kastel in Banja Luka, meet local officials, civil society and activists and youth representatives in order to learn more about their visions and experience of the EU integration process and the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In keeping with the focus on youth, on 8 May, young people from across Bosnia and Herzegovina will come to Sarajevo in order to take part in a Youth Summit, steered by the EU in BiH’s newly appointed Youth Advisory Board. The discussions that will take place over the weekend of 8-10 May will be presented to EU policymakers with a view to shaping EU policy and strengthening the integration of youth perspectives and challenges in the EU’s action in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For high-school students, Europe House in Sarajevo has organised on 8 May an activity called “The 2036 Newsroom – Europe Daily“, which will be an opportunity to envisage headlines and stories from Europe Day in 2036.
The European Film Days have now become an established tradition, and will bring a selection of some of the best European films to Sarajevo’s Meeting Point Cinema from 13-20 May, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Banja Luka from 9-16 May. Organised in cooperation with Embassies of the EU Member States in BiH and EUNIC, the network of EU member state cultural institutes, these free screenings showcase the achievements and originality of European cinema. Moreover, on 6 May, Europe House Sarajevo will host “Postcards from Europe”, an exhibition by local artist Filip Andronik presenting Europe’s cultural and historical heritage in an innovative way.
Quiz enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to test their knowledge of European culture, history, geography and heritage at the EU-themed quizzes taking place in Sarajevo, Prijedor, Sanski Most, Brod, Bugojno, Tuzla, Brčko, Ljubuški, Široki Brijeg and Jablanica from 7-9 May with the best teams receiving awards!
The full programme of Europe Day activities is available here.
