Festival of Europe: 10-11 May in Edinburgh

Welcome to the 2nd annual Festival of Europe Scotland. Taking place annually around Europe Day, a day to celebrate the values and benefits of peace, democracy and cooperation amongst Europe’s nations.

The festival programme seeks to highlight the tangible ways our shared values have brought benefits to Scotland, U.K. and Europe; examine how cooperation can be reset in practical terms; and reimagine how through creative effort Scotland, U.K. and Europe can collaborate to progress a peaceful, sustainable and positive future.

Click on each to book separately.

Events on Saturday, 10 May:

1. A Conference Looking at the Future of European Democracy
2. Conference on What can be achieved in improving relations between the EU and Scotland/UK? (Session 1&2)

Events on Sunday, 11 May:

1. Seminar: The future for the economy, industry and business in Europe
2. Scottish Council on Global Affairs Session: Beyond the UK, beyond the EU – what in the world lies ahead?
3. Film Screening: Libereco and People’s Consulate for Belarus in Scotland event, screening of ‘7 Symptoms of Belaruskast’.

About the Festival

The purpose of the Festival of Europe (Scotland) is to foster mutual cooperation and understanding between Scotland and European countries especially through discussion, community development, the arts, culture and heritage, science and education; and to advance peace, human rights, rule of law, conflict resolution and reconciliation.

Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic 'Schuman declaration' that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe's nations unthinkable

It is centred on ‘Europe Day’, which is held on 9 May every year to celebrate peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic 'Schuman declaration' that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, with the aim of making war between its nations and unthinkable.

However, the festival runs for more than a week, before and after 9th May. It includes a number of events which are organised by the Festival of Europe (Scotland) itself, but the majority of the events in the festival are ‘stand alone’ events which are organised by a wide range of bodies – public, business, and non-government organisations – who are responsible for their own events.

Through the collaboration of several organisations the first festival took place in May 2024. The 2025 festival will feature events and activities promoted by more than twenty organisations.