London, 24 September 2026 – For the third consecutive year, the European Day of Languages will be celebrated in London at Sinfonia Smith Squareon 24 September 2026, with a programme dedicated to Europe’s linguistic and cultural diversity and the promotion of language learning.
The event is organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom and the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the national cultural institutes of the EU Member States based in London, brought together under the umbrella of EUNIC London.
The programme is aimed at the general public, as well as groups of school pupils, university students and representatives of educational institutions, offering participants the opportunity to discover the diversity of European languages, cultures and traditions through a range of interactive activities.
Last year’s edition brought together representatives of 21 of the 27 EU Member States and welcomed more than 200 school pupils. The 2026 edition will also include a session dedicated to further and higher education, in the context of recent developments concerning the United Kingdom’s participation in the Erasmus+ programme.
The Romanian Cultural Institute in London, in close collaboration with the Embassy of Romania in the United Kingdom and the Romanian Language Office of the Romanian Cultural Institute, will participate in this year’s event with a stand dedicated to the Romanian language and culture, where visitors will be able to discover information about Romania, promotional materials and educational resources for learning Romanian.
The stands hosted by EU Member State embassies, cultural institutes and diaspora schools will feature a range of interactive activities, coordinated by Michael Vidon. Adapted to different age groups, the activities will once again centre around the European Day of Languages Passport, enabling participants to discover and explore Europe’s linguistic and cultural diversity in an engaging and interactive way.
The European Day of Languages is an initiative dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity, multilingualism and language learning. It was launched in 2001, which was designated by the Council of Europe as the European Year of Languages, and is celebrated annually on 26 September across the Council of Europe’s member states.
The European Union currently has 24 official languages, alongside numerous regional and minority languages. Multilingualism is an important element of European identity, while European cities are becoming increasingly diverse in linguistic terms.
London is one of the most multilingual cities in the world, with more than 300 languages spoken across the city, making it a particularly appropriate setting for celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.
In the context of globalisation, international mobility and the development of economic and professional relations, language skills play an essential role in facilitating communication and international cooperation. Knowledge of multiple languages contributes to personal and professional development, supports integration and active participation in the labour market, and creates new opportunities for collaboration and intercultural dialogue.
Through its participation in the European Day of Languages, RCI London contributes to promoting the Romanian language and culture within the broader context of European linguistic diversity, while strengthening cultural cooperation between Romania, other European countries and British partners.
Programme
10:00–15:40 | Interactive activities for school groups
Stands hosted by EU Member State embassies, cultural institutes and diaspora schools will offer visitors the opportunity to discover and explore European languages, cultures and traditions.
16:00–17:40 | Session dedicated to further and higher education
The programme will include interactive activities for university students, education attachés from third countries and other invited guests. Children invited and accompanied by representatives of the EU Delegation, the European Parliament Liaison Office and participating embassies will also take part.
18:00–19:00 | Closing reception
EUNIC London
EUNIC London is a network of cultural institutes, embassies of EU Member States and associated member states working together to promote European culture, diversity and cooperation in the United Kingdom.
Established in 2007, the EUNIC London cluster is part of the EUNIC Global network and currently brings together 37 members, making it the largest EUNIC cluster in the world.
