Every year, May 9 marks Europe Day, reminding us of the founding and values of the European Union. Once again, the city of Munich, in collaboration with its partners, will make a powerful statement for Europe by inviting all locals to participate in exciting events and exchange ideas.
Experience the European Spirit in Munich
With the support of Mayor Dieter Reiter and the city council, Munich’s historic Rathaus will be illuminated in blue and yellow on the evening of May 9, adorned with an animated EU flag. The EU and country flags will fly high in Marienplatz, the pedestrian zones, and other key locations throughout the city from May 5 to 11 during Europe Week.
Hop on the Europe Tram
Since mid-April, the eye-catching Europe Tram, decked in blue and yellow, has been running across the city. Alongside, the electric Europe-Mobile from Europe Direct Munich offers a diverse range of information, activities, and games throughout the month.
Join the Celebrations with Up to 100 Organizations
Up to 100 organizations and institutions will present a vibrant program during Europa-Mai. Notably, on May 9, a special cinema campaign in cooperation with Europe Direct Munich and DOK.fest will take place as part of the series “Nie wieder ist jetzt?”. On May 7, an accompanying event for the exhibition “Mothers of Europe – Founders of an Idea” opens at the Rathaus and can be visited free of charge until June 27.
Free Ferris Wheel Ride on May 11
On the Sunday following Europe Day, the partners of Munich’s Europa-Mai invite citizens to a free ride on the “Umadum – Munich’s Giant Ferris Wheel.” From 2 PM to 6 PM on May 11, the Umadum will transform into the “Europa*Rad.” In its 27 gondolas, over 50 pro-European institutions offer a colorful interactive program, including live music and pavilions dedicated to art, culture, research, and political education.
Participate in the Grand Opening
Councilor Dr. Julia Schmitt-Thiel, representing the Mayor, State Minister Eric Beißwenger, and Dr. Christian Scharpf, Head of the Department of Labor and Economy, will open the Europa*Rad event, alongside Wolfgang Bücherl of the European Commission’s Munich office, and Dr. Udo Bux of the European Parliament’s Liaison Office. European consular representatives and Members of the European Parliament will also join the Europa*Rad. From the Munich City Council, Mo Lüttig, Felix Sproll, Sonja Haider, Florian Schönemann, Sibylle Stöhr, and Sabine Bär look forward to engaging in conversations with the participants on the Ferris wheel.
Learn More about Munich’s Europa-Mai
Since 2025, the sixth edition of Munich’s Europa-Mai is organized by Munich city, Europe Direct Munich, the Liaison Office of the European Parliament, the Representation of the European Commission in Munich, the Bavarian State Chancellery, and the Europe Union Munich. The Europa*Rad is held in collaboration with the Center for Applied Policy Research (CAP) at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich.
For more information and event dates, visit www.europa-mai.de and follow on social media @munich4EUROPE using the hashtags #munich4EUROPE and #europamai. Details about the Europa*Rad event on May 11 and a list of providers are available at www.europa-mai.de/events/europarad-2025.
