Today, 9 May, Estonia celebrates Europe Day together with other EU member states. A wide range of events is taking place across the country, organised by young people, government institutions, local authorities, embassies and the European Commission.
In Tallinn, a large family day is being held from noon in Freedom Square, featuring areas hosted by embassies and organisations, an exciting orienteering game, and a free concert starting at 6 p.m., with performances by Estonian artists An-Marlen & boipepperoni, Clicherik & Mäx, and Lexsoul Dancemachine.
According to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Estonia’s membership of the European Union is a clear choice of its people, bringing numerous freedoms, a sense of security, and increased prosperity for both individuals and the state. “Europe is our home, our values and our security. Europe is us. Estonia has done exceptionally well in the European Union. Since accession, both Estonia’s average salary and GDP have more than quadrupled. Our security is ensured through strong alliances. Today we celebrate the fact that we can shape our future together at the European table. This also means a responsibility to stand up for our freedoms and for peace,” the Prime Minister said.
The first Europe Day concert was held in 2001 on the roof of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the tradition was revived in 2022. Opening remarks at today’s concert will be delivered by President Alar Karis, with a welcome address by Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. The title of European of the Year will be presented by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Minister Tsahkna noted that Europe Day reminds us of what unites us: freedom, democracy and peace. “These principles are also the foundation of Estonia’s membership of the European Union. Today we celebrate not only Europe’s unity, but also our responsibility to keep this Union strong and resolute,” he said. “The enlargement policy helps unite Europe and expand a shared space of values, freedoms, security and prosperity. Today, we are using our experience to support other countries aspiring to join the European Union, including Ukraine, on their path towards the EU and NATO.”
For the third consecutive year, Europe Day is also being marked with a concert in Narva. The day begins at 11 a.m. with family events in Stockholm Square; a future fair for Ida-Viru County will take place at the University of Tartu Narva College; and a festival area will be open in Town Hall Square, featuring musical performances by winners of the Europe Day youth band competition: the Kohtla-Järve folk-rock band Virland, the Jõhvi rock band The Rising, and the Narva pop-rock-folk group Between Two Stars. The highlight of the evening will be a major concert starting at 5 p.m. in Town Hall Square, featuring the Narva City Symphony Orchestra together with Ott Lepland, Tanja Mihhailova and NOËP. Prime Minister Michal and European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef will also be in Narva for Europe Day.
“I am pleased that the celebration of Europe Day in Narva and Ida-Viru County is gaining momentum year by year and that the local community is engaging with our activities. There are many active people here who truly care about European values and the future of Ida-Viru County,” said Ave Schank-Lukas, Head of the European Commission Representation in Estonia.
The main organisers of Europe Day events are the Government Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission Representation in Estonia, the State Shared Service Centre, the European Parliament Office in Estonia, the Ministry of Culture, the Integration Foundation, embassies and cultural representations of European countries, as well as numerous partners in smaller towns.
More information about events in Tallinn and elsewhere in Estonia is available at https://euroopapaev.ee/.
On Europe Day, the Estonian flag is flown by all state and local government institutions, as well as public legal entities. Households, organisations and businesses are also encouraged to fly the flag.
Europe Day celebrations in Tallinn and Narva can also be followed on ETV and ETV+.
Some facts
- GDP per capita has increased fourfold: from €7,176 in 2004 to €29,036 in 2024 (current prices).
- Total exports of goods (not limited to the EU) have grown approximately 4.5 times: from €4.8 billion in 2004 to €18.57 billion in 2025.
- The average salary has increased nearly fivefold (from €455 at the end of 2003 to €2,155 in the fourth quarter of 2025).
- The average pension has also risen nearly fivefold (from around €174 in 2006 to €794.2 last year).
- The absolute poverty rate decreased from 14.3% in 2004 to 3.4% in 2024.
- The single market gives Estonian companies access to 500 million consumers in the world’s wealthiest and most competitive market. Acting as a union also provides a significant advantage in negotiations on markets outside the EU.
Additional information:
Communication Department
[email protected]