Why Europe Matters More Than Ever | Europe Day 2026

Source: European Commission (video statements)

This Europe Day 2026, we celebrate the peace, unity, freedom and shared values that connect people across the European Union.

From freedom of movement and cultural exchange to privacy, democracy, health, security, clean energy, climate ambition and solidarity with Ukraine, Europe is part of our everyday lives. Across borders, generations and languages, we stand together as one community.

On Europe Day 2026, we celebrate a Europe that protects what matters, creates opportunities for all, builds strong partnerships around the world and remains united in the face of shared challenges.

Marked every year on 9 May, Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, a historic moment that laid the foundations for European cooperation and what would later become the European Union.

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-289074

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK_OlrGnmS4

The EU’s first ever anti-poverty strategy is here

Source: European Commission (video statements)

The EU has adopted its first-ever anti-poverty strategy, built on three pillars to tackle one of Europe’s biggest challenges.
1 in 5 Europeans are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This strategy aims to change that with:
– Affordable housing, early warning systems and debt counselling.  
– Connecting people outside the labor market to quality jobs.
– A European Child Guarantee Card to ensure children get the support they’re entitled to.
Later this year, the Commission will also launch a new coalition against poverty — bringing businesses and philanthropic organisations together around concrete commitments. From President’s von der Leyen ‘s words: "We are building a Europe of dignity, opportunity and equality for the generations to come".

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y1JrUW5sKdA

Strengthening Partnership and Regional Stability: First-Ever EU-Armenia Summit

Source: European Commission (video statements)

"This first EU-Armenia Summit elevates our partnership to a new level and sets a clear direction and agenda for the coming years. At the heart of this work is our joint commitment to peace and stability in the region." – President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen

Together with the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the  European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, represented the EU at the first-ever EU-Armenia Summit in Yerevan on 4 and 5 May 2026.

In her speech, President von der Leyen highlighted the summit’s importance in strengthening ties and outlining key areas for deeper cooperation. On connectivity, the EU will support Armenia’s role as a regional transport hub through infrastructure projects, renewable energy expansion, and digital innovation. The Crossroads of Peace initiative could link Europe with Central Asia, while new transport and energy partnerships will boost trade and security.

President von der Leyen also stressed security cooperation, including EU assistance to Armenia’s armed forces and a new mission to combat hybrid threats and disinformation. Progress on visa liberalisation was noted, alongside stronger border management through Frontex collaboration.

Finally, she reaffirmed the EU’s economic support, helping Armenian businesses, skills development, and recovery efforts—including aid for those displaced from Karabakh. The summit, she concluded, marked a significant step in deepening the EU-Armenia partnership.

For the full transcript of the speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_989

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-288852

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcQRp9gCe5g

90 billion Euro for Ukraine

Source: European Commission (video statements)

The EU promised to deliver on the 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, for budgetary needs and defense. The promise has been kept, and 45 billion euro will be delivered this quarter. This act shows that the EU continues to stand with Ukraine and its people, while battling Russia’s war of aggression for 4 years now.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YQB3zEc0mWg

Addressing the Middle East Crisis, Europe’s Energy Security, and €45 Billion for Ukraine

Source: European Commission (video statements)

"In just 60 days of conflict, our bill for fossil fuel imports has increased by over EUR 27 billion, without a single molecule of additional energy." – President von der Leyen

On 29 April 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participated in the European Parliament plenary debate on the EU strategy in response to the ongoing Middle East crisis, its implications on energy prices and the availability of fertilizers.

In her speech, President von der Leyen announced that the EU would disburse the first €45 billion of its €90 billion loan to Ukraine—with two-thirds earmarked for defence, including a €6 billion drone package—while adopting a 20th sanctions package to hit Russia’s economy. Amid the Middle East crisis, she stressed the need for lasting peace and warned that soaring fossil fuel import costs (€27 billion in 60 days) demand faster electrification and energy independence, proposing targeted aid, EU-wide coordination, and an Electrification Action Plan. To fund future priorities like defence and competitiveness, she urged new EU revenue streams, arguing that without them, Europe risks less funding where it’s needed most—concluding with a call to "electrify Europe" and secure its sovereignty.

For the full transcript of the speech, see here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_26_923

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-288526

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mw_R68kKhw