Europe Day will be widely celebrated in Latvia on May 9

European exam

The European exam, which takes place online on May 7, 8, 9, has become a tradition. The European exam questions are as diverse as Latvia’s benefits from membership in the European Union. The range of questions covers sports, culture, nature, inventions, important events, personalities, etc.

Online test suitable for different age groups. The opportunity to learn something new, to test existing knowledge, to think about Europe’s diversity, as well as our opportunities to co-create it, are the most important reasons mentioned by the participants of the European exam, which every year make them want to participate and feel the spirit of the competition.

Each participant receives a certificate with the number of points obtained, prizes for the best. 2023. 42,326 participants took part in the European exam.

“Handshake for Europe” activity

This year, a new Europe Day tradition is being launched – “Handshake for Europe”. This tradition originated in Ireland and is based on the idea that a handshake is a symbol of respect, cooperation and equality – the core values ​​of the EU. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s accession to the EU and celebrating democracy, we invite schools to participate in the activity “Handshake for Europe.”

Each age group can use the type of handshake most suitable for it. For example, on Europe Day, primary school students can use the offered game card and shake the hand of the principal of their school, a smiling person, or a person whose clothes are of a certain color, etc.

Elementary school students can develop their own principles for further transfer of handshakes, teach them to others, participate in a video competition; while high school students use technology, social media and apps for handshakes.

Orientation game “SEE EUROPE”

On May 9, from 12:00 to 16:00, the orientation game “SEE EUROPE” jointly organized by three Riga State Gymnasiums and the EU House will take place, in which everyone interested is invited to participate.

There are five thematic checkpoints in the orienteering game, one each at Riga State 1st Gymnasium, 2nd Gymnasium and 3rd Gymnasium, one checkpoint each in the House of the EU and at the Saeima. Game participants will receive a game participant card with 10 tasks on EU enlargement, the euro, European values, culture and Latvia in the EU at each checkpoint.

Answering each of the 10 questions will earn you stamps. Both children and adults are invited to participate in the orienteering game. Information about the orientation game route, rules will be available on the game card and at each of the game checkpoints.

Every participant of the game is invited to participate in the game prize draw by submitting a completed game card to the EU house, Aspazijas boulevard 28. Information about the winners of the draw will be published on the “Facebook” account of the EU house.

The Big European Hour online on Europe Day

The goal of the Great European Hour is to include all Latvian educational institutions in the celebration of Europe Day and the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s accession to the EU. The class will be held on Europe Day, May 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. You will be able to participate in the class by following the live broadcast on the Delfi portal, on the website esmaja.lv and on the Facebook profiles of the EU website and the EC representation. All Latvian educational institutions, as well as anyone interested, are invited to participate in the class.

“Back to school/Back to university 2024” promotion

The campaign “Back to school/Back to university 2024” has been going on for 16 years. During it, we invite experts from various fields to go to educational institutions and share their knowledge and experience, talking about the current affairs of the EU in various fields, as well as learning about different professions and skills.

European picnic at the Saeima House

At the Saeima House on May 9 at 12:45 p.m., there will be an opportunity to enjoy European national dishes prepared by the embassies, treat yourself to a holiday cake, participate in an erudition game and spend time for informal conversations.

Latvian – European cinema

On May 9, the National Cinema Center invites you to free screenings in Riga cinemas, which are part of the Europa Cinemas network of European cinemas. In honor of 20 years since Latvia was admitted to the European Union, and 10 years since the Latvian film industry has been supported by the European Fund Creative Europe MEDIA, cinemas will show Latvian films made with the support of the fund:

• On May 9 at 18.00 at Kino Bize in Riga – documentary film “Bridges of Time” (2018);
• On May 9 at 17.00 K. Suns in Riga – documentary film “General Plan” (2016);
• On May 9 at 18.00 K. Suns in Riga – documentary film “Ukrainian sheriffs” (2016);
• On May 9 at 20.00 K. Suns in Riga – feature film “Jelgava ’94” (2019).

Democracy celebration

During the festival of democracy on May 9 in the AB dam, in the “Noass” art center, the holiday program will include a diverse gastronomic and thought-provoking offer of talks, discussions and billboards from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.