Languages unite! European Day of Languages brings Europe’s linguistic diversity to life in Belgrade

Back Languages unite! European Day of Languages brings Europe’s linguistic diversity to life in Belgrade

More than 1,400 students, 27 countries and organisations, and over 20 languages came together in Belgrade to celebrate the European Day of Languages 2026.

What happens when you bring together more than 1,400 young people from over 60 schools, dozens of languages and cultures from across Europe? In Belgrade, the answer was a day full of learning, curiosity, games and new connections – all under this year’s European Day of Languages motto: “Languages unite!”

The European Day of Languages was celebrated in Belgrade on 25 September, with activities taking place simultaneously at six locations: the European House, Collegium Hungaricum, French Institute, Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes and the Faculty of Philology. The event brought together representatives of 27 countries and organisations, including the Council of Europe, the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and European embassies and cultural institutes.

The celebration offered children and young people an opportunity to discover more than 20 European languages, including Serbian Sign Language, through interactive activities, quizzes, games and introductory language lessons led by experienced teachers. Each participant received a “language passport”, which could be filled with stamps by taking part in different language challenges and activities.

Beyond learning individual words and phrases, the event highlighted what languages make possible: communication across borders, greater understanding of other cultures and opportunities to connect with people who may have different backgrounds and experiences.

The Belgrade celebration was jointly organised by the EUNIC Serbia Cluster, the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, with the participation of numerous embassies, cultural institutes and partner organisations. The event formed part of thousands of European Day of Languages activities taking place across Europe and beyond.

Every language matters. Every language opens a door. And together, languages unite.

The European Day of Languages is celebrated every year on 26 September, following its establishment in 2001 by the Council of Europe and the European Commission. It aims to promote Europe’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity, encourage language learning and raise awareness of the importance of multilingualism and intercultural dialogue. Celebrated across Europe and beyond, the European Day of Languages brings people together through languages and highlights their role in fostering mutual understanding, communication and connections between cultures.

Belgrade 26 September 2026

Diminuer la taille du texte
Augmenter la taille du texte
Imprimer la page

See all news >

The Council of Europe Office in Belgrade was opened by the Secretary General on 16 March 2001, as a contact point for co-operation with the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia which had applied for membership in the Council of Europe. The work was already underway on joint projects. It has remained in place ever since.

Serbia became the 45th member of the Council of Europe in April 2003, a development that was a natural consequence of the major political changes which took place in autumn 2000 and which allowed Serbia to claim its rightful place among the democratic states of Europe.

Through the Office in Belgrade, the Council of Europe continues to assist the country in its process of democratic reforms and its European integration. In recent years, the Office, in close co-operation with the Serbian authorities, has supported reforms of democratic institutions, the rule of law, human and minority rights, including of the Roma and the LBGTI communities, and local and regional self-government.

The Office also continues to assist with co-operation regarding economic, social, cultural, scientific, legal and administrative matters, and in the maintenance and further realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Belgrade Office: Results in 2025