Munich Celebrates Europe with a Month-Long Program
Munich, May 5, 2026 – The city of Munich and its cooperation partners are once again inviting citizens to participate in “Europe Month,” a series of events and activities throughout May dedicated to celebrating European values and the European Union. This year marks the seventh edition of the initiative, which aims to foster dialogue, exchange, and a deeper understanding of Europe’s significance.
The program, organized in collaboration with around 80 organizations and institutions, will run for the entire month, with a particular focus on Europe Day on May 9th. This day commemorates the founding and values of the European Union, and Munich will be showcasing its commitment through various displays and events. During Europe Week, from May 4th to 10th, national and EU flags will be displayed across the city, and on the evening of May 9th, the City Hall and the Olympic Tower will be illuminated in the EU’s signature blue and gold colors, featuring an animated EU flag on the City Hall.
Interactive Experiences and Highlights
One of the key attractions for citizens will be the electrically powered “Europe-Mobil” from Europe Direct Munich, which offers a dynamic range of information, activities, and games. Easily identifiable by its blue and gold colors, the Europe-Mobil is complemented by the “Europe-Tram” that has been operating since March, further spreading awareness of the initiative.
A major highlight is scheduled for Sunday, May 10th, with free rides on the Europa*Rad (Europe Wheel) from 2 PM to 6 PM at Umadum in the Werksviertel at Ostbahnhof. Here, visitors can engage in discussions on European topics within the gondolas of the Ferris wheel, experiencing a unique perspective on Europe. The location will also host a vibrant program of participatory activities, live music, and pavilions dedicated to art, culture, research, and political education.
The “Europe Month” is a collaborative effort between the City of Munich, the Liaison Office of the European Parliament, the Representation of the European Commission in Munich, the Bavarian State Chancellery, Europa Union Munich, and numerous civil society organizations. A comprehensive list of all activities and events can be found at europa-mai.de and on social media using @munich4EUROPE and the hashtags #munich4EUROPE and #europamai.
New Mayor Dominik Krause on Europe
Dominik Krause, who officially took office as the new Mayor on May 1st, shared his perspective on Europe. A native Münchner, Krause emphasized his strong European identity in an interview regarding the city’s commitment to Europe.
When asked if Europe is still a peace project given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Mayor Krause responded, “Absolutely. Until the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, our continent had experienced decades of peace. What matters now is Europe’s solidarity with Ukraine to restore lasting peace. That’s why I am particularly pleased that Hungary has now voted this way and wants to abandon its blocking position. The City of Munich also stands firmly by its twin city Kyiv.”
Explaining Munich’s dedication to “Europe Month,” Krause stated, “Europe Month offers us the opportunity to make visible the diversity that shapes our society. Here, people can come together to exchange creative ideas, engage in dialogue, and shape the future of Europe. Together, we can advocate for a strong, united Europe based on peace, freedom, and solidarity.”
Regarding the benefits Munich derives from Europe, the Mayor highlighted, “Europe is not only a project of peace but also of prosperity. Our city benefits massively from its integration into the European Union – both financially through targeted funding of around 37 million euros and ideologically through international cooperations, for example with our twin cities.”
How Munich Benefits from the EU
Munich actively leverages European cooperation to strengthen its position and represent the interests of its citizens at the EU level. The city influences EU developments through its memberships in networks such as Eurocities and the German Section of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions.
Furthermore, Munich participates in and financially benefits from various EU projects. The city is involved in approximately 70 individual projects within the European Union’s Erasmus+ education program, with a funding volume of over seven million euros. Additionally, around 20 current EU projects are underway, for which the city receives approximately 30 million euros. These include initiatives like “Let’s Go Circular,” “metaCCAZE,” and “JustNature.” The results of the latter greening project are currently on display in an exhibition at the Planning Department, Blumenstraße 28b, on weekdays.
For more information on all EU projects, visit muenchen.de/europa.
Citizens seeking further information about the European Union can also contact Europe Direct Munich, one of 48 such centers in Germany and over 400 across the EU. Munich receives annual EU funding of 44,000 euros for this center. Contact details, office hours, and event listings are available at muenchen.de/europe-direct.
The “Stadt informiert” (City Informs) section is typically published on Tuesdays in the Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Münchner Merkur. This particular article was published on May 5, 2026.
Source: City of Munich Press and Information Office, Mayor Dominik Krause Interview
