On 26 September Europe celebrates the European Day of Languages (EDL), an initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission that since 2001 has promoted linguistic diversity, multilingualism and intercultural understanding. This year’s motto, “Languages unite!”, reiterates a clear message: every language matters, every language opens doors, and together, languages bring people together.
Today, ahead of the European Day, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Petra Bayr, said in her opening speech at the Graz language festival : “The motto for the 2026 European Day of Languages, “Languages unite!”, reminds us that languages can serve as bridges between people, communities and cultures. In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, the willingness to learn, speak and value other languages fosters mutual respect, empathy and cooperation.”
“Europe’s rich linguistic heritage is one of its greatest strengths. By encouraging language learning at all stages of life, protecting regional and minority languages, and promoting plurilingual education, we help build more inclusive, cohesive and resilient societies. Europe speaks with many voices, and each language learned can open new perspectives and strengthen our shared European commitment to democracy, human rights and cultural understanding.”
Graz: where language learning lives
At the heart of the European Day celebrations is the European Centre for modern languages in Graz, that is marking the day through a variety of initiatives and the launch of new resources.
European Day of Languages class language challenge encourages learners to complete language missions and earn an official certificate. The “Languages unite!” poster competition invites participants to illustrate how languages connect people across linguistic and cultural divides. A practical tool, European Day of Languages activity kit 2026 bursting with ideas for activities for this year’s EDL – games, puzzles and posters – is a must-have for teachers and learners of all ages.
Young learners can continue their language journeys with Lara across Europe that started in previous years: in addition to her Europe-wide adventure to explore the languages and writing systems, and to her voyage through Europe’s regional and minority languages, this year, children can also explore Italy’s rich linguistic heritage through the latest booklet “Lara’s language journey through Italy.”
Among the new educational resources developed by the centre for 2026 is also the guidance on how to apply in practice the principles of the Call to action on motivation in language teaching and language teacher education.
Celebrating linguistic diversity all around Europe
Thousands of events are taking place in schools, cultural institutions and communities across Europe and beyond to mark the European Day of Languages, with activities ranging from language fairs and quizzes to performances, workshops and multilingual challenges.
Highlights include:
- Les Journées des langues juridiques (Days of legal languages), organised by the University of Montpellier from 21-25 September, featuring multilingual events and language immersion activities.
- The “What’s changing in Scotland’s languages curriculum?” conference, coordinated by the Institut français in Edinburgh on 22 September, on language education in Scotland.
- “Words and wealth: the dynamic link between language and regional economic growth”, a collaborative event held by Brussels regional representations on 22 September, examining the social and economic benefits of revitalising minority languages.
- “Taste the world, speak the language”, organised by SOŠ gastronómie a cestovného ruchu in Nitra, Slovakia, on 25 September, where international students showcase traditional dishes while sharing their languages and cultures.
- “Une île, différentes langues” (“One island, different languages”), taking place in Guadeloupe, France on 26 September to highlight links between Europe and the Caribbean.
- The “Languages connect us” festival, launched on 28 September 2026 at Fettah Tamince Maritime Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Konyaaltı, Türkiye, with a week-long programme focusing on languages, cultures, maritime traditions, creativity and featuring active student participation.
- The “European Day of Languages – languages for democracy and citizenship” conference on 8 October, organised at the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit in Rome, will be livestreamed in schools across the country.
- On 30 September, the European Commission will explore how multilingualism promotes inclusion through debates, a virtual exhibition and interactive language-related stands, including one hosted by the European Centre for modern languages.
The Council of Europe offices in Belgrade and Tunis are also contributing to the celebrations through large-scale events for children and young people promoting multilingualism, intercultural dialogue and language-learning.
Beyond Europe: language celebrations around the world
The initiative extends far beyond Europe, with events taking place on every continent. From New York and Montevideo to Cairo, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Sydney, European cultural institutes, European Union partners and embassies are joining forces to celebrate linguistic diversity and encourage language learning. These activities reflect the growing global reach of the European Day of Languages and reinforce its central message: languages bring people together, fostering understanding, dialogue and cooperation across cultures and communities worldwide.
