Festival of Europe Scotland 2025

Now in its second year, the Festival of Europe Scotland 2025 will take place from 3rd to 11th May.

About Festival of Europe Scotland 2025

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With 16 activities across 4 of Scotland’s regions, the Festival coincides with Europe Day on 9 May, a day to celebrate the values and benefits of peace, democracy and cooperation amongst Europe’s nations.

The programme will highlight the tangible ways in which Scotland engages with the wider European continent, and this year includes activities in Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow and Stirling. Some examples are listed below, with the full programme at www.festivalofeuropescotland.org

EuroWalks offer opportunities for people to come together to learn about Scotland’s historic European connections. The programme also celebrates community and supports European citizens in Scotland. A one day conference organised by the Citizens’ Rights Project offers expert speakers and voices from EU communities across Scotland.

The Connecting Europe Fair is a free drop in event for everyone at the French Institute in Edinburgh. A range of stalls will also promote travel and learning opportunities for 16-30 year olds, such as Interrail EuRail, British Council Scotland, the University of Edinburgh and the Erasmus Student Network. There will be a prize draw for a pair of Interrail passes for 16-30 year olds attending the fair. Other community and cultural events in this year’s programme of partner activities include a film screening, community gatherings and an evening of song.

Turning to the future of Europe, two conferences on 10 May will provide an opportunity for discussion and debate with key speakers. The first conference will explore the challenges facing liberal democracy across Europe, and how citizens’ movements can help meet these challenges. The second conference will examine the UK-EU reset, and bring participants up to date with ongoing political negotiations.

The Scottish Council on Global Affairs will broaden insights even further, moving beyond the context of UK EU relations, with speakers on international relations sharing their perspectives on how the UK and Europe are perceived globally, and what lies ahead.

Through the business realities experienced by representatives from the key fintech, high tech and renewables sectors, an event at Adam Smith’s Panmure House will bring together experts to assess the status of UK-EU relations today and their views on future benefits.

The Chair of the Festival’s committee, Mark Lazarowicz said: “As well as looking at the key issues facing Europe today, the festival will also provide a focus on Scotland’s existing connections with the rest of Europe. Those connections are historic and cultural, economic and social. We hope that this festival will encourage their strengthening and development, at a time when our current uncertain world makes them even more important”.

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For more information, contact:

Elaine Ballantyne, Trustee, elaine.festivalofeuropescotland@gmail.com
Mark Lazarowicz, Chair, 07904 274979 mark.festivalofeuropescotland@gmail,com

Europe Festivals Scotland (SCIO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It is a Scottish Charity, SC054097, regulated by OSCR. Festival of Europe (Scotland) is a working name of Europe Festivals Scotland (SCIO)

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Festival of Europe Scotland 2025 are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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Upcoming Events at Festival of Europe Scotland 2025

Exhibitions

Connecting Europe Fair

10th May 2025

Institut francais d Ecosse, Edinburgh Old Town

Come along to the Connecting Europe Fair at French Institute on 10th May, it's offering support and inspiration for exploring and planning European travel, learning exchanges and adventures.

Festivals

Edinburgh International Childrens Festival

30B Grindlay Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9AX

Edinburgh International Children's Festival of performing arts for children and young people.

Festivals

Rare Books Edinburgh

Rare Books Edinburgh is a festival dedicated to rare, collectable and important books and the history of the book.

Festivals

Edinburgh Deaf Featival

49 Albany Street, Edinburgh New town EH1 3QY

Edinburgh Deaf Festival is an accessible celebration of deaf culture, language and heritage. Join us for a variety of performances and events throughout the week.

Festivals

Edinburgh Chinese New Year Festival

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Chinese New Year Festival returns in 2024 with a full programme of events and activities across the city to celebrate Chinese New Year and the start of The Year of the Dragon.

Festivals

Edinburgh Art Festival

Edinburgh Art Festival , Various Locations Edinburgh

Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival works with local and international partners to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects across the city.

Festivals

ScotlandsFest

, Various Locations Edinburgh

2024 marks the 7th year of ScotlandsFest, more than 40 captivating events celebrating the vibrant literary, cultural and political landscape of Scotland.

Festivals