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.
Read more about the European Day of Languages 2026
